Thanks for the reviews! I've had a terrible and busy couple of days. Although I did finish S4, as epic as everyone promised. I actually liked Morgana more this season than last. Aside from the fact that her makeup was MUCH better (really, do we need all the eyeliner to make us realize she's gone bad?), there was something a little more...vulnerable about her. There were moments throughout where she seemed more human than we've seen since S2. Maybe that's wishful thinking, but I liked the more genuine emotions of fear, anxiety, hate, resentment. Less smirking villian (still a villian, of course), more complicated foe. Katie McGrath and I both think there's room for redemption. Let's pray it's not some deathbed turnaround. Who doesn't want some Mergana action? Seriously, the writers need to get onboard. Helios and Agravaine are not suitable partners. And Merlin needs some lovin'. Badly. (cue dramatic sigh)

Chapter 21

She felt her mouth open as she tried to put a word, any word through her parted lips. It seemed so easy. Yes or no. One short syllable that would break his heart or end his misery.

Yes, and she would go back to Camelot. Arthur, her brother, would decide her fate, decide how long her life would be. But if he forgave her, she could live there, distrusted at first, but maybe eventually accepted. An asset rather than a threat. She could earn back the people's love, make them see that she wasn't a monster. Merlin would be at her side. He'd love her, protect her, tutor her in magic. They could be a team, build a life together in Camelot, be the power behind Arthur's kingdom.

No, and she'd be with her sister again. She's have a chance at Camelot's throne, a chance to instantly change the fate of her people. Not just for herself, but for Merlin too. She could hold the power, make the decisions, be a leader like she always wanted, rather than an ornamental doll put on display.

Although Merlin wouldn't do that to her. Merlin who saw all the parts of her, the good and the bad. And Merlin who had lied to her for near on five years. Merlin who had poisoned her when necessary.

She felt tugged in so many directions. One word. One moment. One decision that would change the rest of her life. Because, he was right, after this there was no going back, no changes. He'd never forgive her for turning against Camelot again. But could she ever forgive herself for giving up her position? For not returning magic to the realm?

She looked into his deep blue eyes, eyes that showed such compassion, such anxiety. Such open honesty. He was waiting for some semblance of an answer.

But she couldn't give it. Not now.

The clink of the lock at the door saved her from choosing or promising something she couldn't quite decide. They drew apart, uncertain of who or what lurked on the other side of that lock.

The door opened and a hooded figure walked into the center of the room. Tossing back the hood that hid her face, the woman's blonde hair and dark eyes were instantly distinguishable. Morgause had finally come.

"Sister," Morgana breathed as she ran into Morgause's open arms, the force of her hug nearly spinning them in a full circle. "I've missed you." And she meant it, the warm embrace of the only person who'd taken care of her these last few years was decidedly welcome. While she knew Morgause was powerful, Morgana had been worried about her fate at the hands of Orsric. But her sister appeared unharmed and hale.

Her eyes met Merlin's and she tried not to feel guilty. She wasn't doing anything wrong. She told him she needed more time. And his gaze wasn't accusatory in the slightest, merely steely. Concerned. He was worried about Morgause. Uncertain of her. It didn't stop her from feeling a the prickle of discomfort.

Drawing back, her sister asked, "Are you alright? You aren't harmed?"

"No, I'm fine. Just a little scuffed up from the last few days here," she responded.

"Are you certain? What about that cut on your cheek? Did he do this to you?" Morgause asked, turning to glare at Merlin. "Well, well, well if it isn't our little crusader that could. Surprised to see me alive?"

"No," Merlin said flatly.

"It wasn't Merlin," Morgana said quickly. " Indeed, it was our generous host."

Turning back to Morgana, Morgause said sighing, "Orsric always did have a temper."

"You could say that," mumbled Merlin from behind her.

Quickly turning back to face Merlin, Morgause drawled, "I'm surprised to see you alive. Surprised my sister or Orsric hasn't killed you yet. But that can be quickly remedied." Turning to Morgana, she asked, "Should I dispose of him or would you like the honor?"

"No!" Morgana nearly shouted, then calmed her voice and said, "I mean, no, leave him to Orsric. He's more useful to our plans alive. Besides, I'm sure Orsric will exact every type of pain against him. Although I wonder…" She smirked the way she used to.

"Yes, sister?" said Morgause eagerly.

"Could I have a moment alone with the boy? I wouldn't mind giving him a little taste of the pain to come. There are a few…unsavory things I've been longing to do. I couldn't very well enact them before as we were locked here. But now that I'll be leaving…well, I would really like to complete those tasks," she finished with another smirk, hoping it was convincing.

Morgause smiled evilly and said, "Certainly. I'll be outside. Waiting to hear the screams."

As Morgause opened the door, she turned back and said, "Don't take too long with the boy. We've much to discuss."

"Oh, my plans won't take too long," said Morgana.

The sister exchanged another devious smile and then Morgause was gone from the room.

Merlin moved closer. "That was um kinda scary. I almost believed you were going to hurt me," he whispered a bit uneasily.

She smiled, a true and genuine smile, not like the pathetic show she'd just put on and said, "As you've said, I'm a good actress."

She frowned. "Merlin, I-"

"Shhh," he said, nodding his head towards the door. "Ow, oh my God, it hurts so much!

Understanding, she shouted, "I hate you, you toad faced bastard! I hope you burn in hell for all the crimes you've committed against my kind!"

"Impressive," he whispered. Then shouting, "No, Morgana. No, don't punch me there. Owwph."

He smiled that lazy, adorable smile. The one that was so boyish and charming, the one that had melted her when she was a princess and he was a servant. She couldn't help but drawn him quickly into her embrace. Their lips met in a fusion of heat and passion. It tasted of longing. Of promise. But also of goodbye. She wanted to believe that everything would be alright. That she could make a choice, that Merlin could get out of this place, that her life could be uncomplicated.

But that seemed unlikely. So she let herself live in this moment. Live in the touch between their lips as he ravished her mouth, making her forget all of the complications. All the reasons this couldn't be and yet was.

She pulled away, breathless. She was dazed. But Merlin had the presence of mind to shout over her shoulder, "Please don't hurt me. Not again. It's so painful. Owwwww."

He met her eyes again. "Trust me, just this once. And I'll trust you," he whispered, his hands stroking her face.

"I don't know if I can," she breathed.

"Trust in us, trust in our love. This is your only chance, Morgana, your only chance to get off this path that will surely lead to your doom. Just think about it, alright? Question Morgause, question yourself, question what you want. Because after this, there might not be another chance to go back."

She didn't say anything because she didn't have an answer.

They both knew that their time together was ending. She was reluctant to leave the warm shelter of his embrace. Once she left this room, this terrible space that had revealed so much, things would change. But they couldn't stay here forever and they both knew that. Who ever thought she'd be so reluctant to leave this dirty dungeon?

Merlin understood her dilemma but they both knew she had to get out before Morgause became suspicious. "You better slap me now. And make it convincing," he whispered, giving her one final soft kiss.

"How dare you treat me in such cavalier manner! I hope Orsric makes you die a slow and painful death!" she said loudly enough to carry through the door. And then there was a loud crack as her hand made contact with his cheek. She gave him a contrite look as she made for the door. Her feet felt leaden. Every step heavy as she walked closer to the exit. It shouldn't feel like this but it did. Freedom beckoned but it seemed somehow hollow.

"Dawn on Arthur's birthday, remember?" he whispered, rubbing the tender and reddened side of his face.

She gave him a tentative nod. It wasn't affirmation or rejection, just that she understood that's where they were to meet. She opened the door slightly.

She couldn't resist one final look back. Merlin gazed at her, all the love, the faith, all the promise of a future in his eyes. She felt a tug somewhere in the vicinity of her heart and drew a sharp breath. The ache didn't stop. She feared it might never subside.

And with one final look, she broke the connection. Stepping through the threshold, she was finally free from the prison that had held her for several days.

The door was slammed behind her and Morgause quickly looped her arm through hers. "Come, sister. We have much to discuss," she said with a smile.

FINIS

So Morgana's gone from the dungeon, will Merlin get out?

Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Please review!