There will be a kiss. I promise.
The deal
Helen was at loss with what to do. She'd been an idiot and her plans are ruined because of it. Morgana must have told him already and even if she hadn't, Merlin had seen enough to suspect her.
She'd considered to link herself to Morgana, so the warlock wouldn't be able to hurt her without hurting Morgana, but it meant Morgana had to live too and the princess would never be able to have Merlin at her side. She'd threatened someone he cared for, he would never forgive her.
Then she considered bringing Morgause back from the death. Well, a shell of the former one, but a shell loyal to her. Yet, it was likely Morgana wouldn't leave him behind not even for her sister. Helen could lie Morgana, tell her he was dead, but what if something were to go wrong? Her plan would be ruined too. Morgana was a revengeful person. She wouldn't rest until she had her vengeance. No matter how much the witch pretend, she loved Merlin. And when she came, both her and Merlin were to find the truth and it would be the end of Helen.
The princess knew it for sure, but she needed to risk.
For the moment it would be better to link herself to Morgana. She would see afterwards what she would have to do.
Well, the two sorcerers weren't completely alone. The two soldiers they'd played a prank upon visited them the next day. They brought them food and asked nothing in return.
"I've seen what you do for her." One of them said. "I must be wonderful to be loved so much." He added, addressing to Morgana this time. The witch blushed.
"You just need to find that something that's worth fighting for. Nothing will seem too much then." Merlin answered.
They spoke a lot. Everyday they came and they talked about a lot of thing, family, trust, love, friendship. The soldiers weren't idiots at all. They told them about Helen.
" She hasn't always been like that. She used to be a lovely kid, but something happened 12 years ago and she changed completely. She became cruel and hungry for power, vengeful. She gets bored easily, nothing makes her happy. Be careful. Really, be careful." They warned them.
"I wish we could give you the key, but we have family and she's dangerous." the young man told them with regret in his voice.
"We'll protect you" Morgana promised.
"We can't risk."
"But…"
"Merlin don't you want that key?" Helen asked treading out of the darkness that covered her. "I can give it to you myself."
"Not without a price." The warlock pointed out. Helen laughed. He stepped closer to her and watched her in the eye.
"This dagger is enchanted. It could be used to kill a High Priestess. Kill Morgana and you'll be free. What do you think, Merlin? She killed your friends after all." Helen said firmly.
"What do you really want, Nimueh?" The princess was surprised he'd known. "Why do you want her dead so badly?"
"There's place for only one queen. Together we could achieve a lot. I will be honest. I don't love you, Merlin. In fact, I feel nothing for you, but love is hardly necessary for such arrangements. I think you are already accustomed with this type of royal business."
"We can work together. The three of us. Why her death is so necessary? Have you never been in love?"
"I was long ago and it was stupid….I've told you. It can be only one queen." Nimueh answered bored by his insistence.
"May we speak somewhere else?"
"You're not in the position to ask."
"Neither do you. You know me, Nimueh. You may achieve what you want, but there wouldn't be a place in this world where you could hide from my revenge. I want to offer you an alternative."
"Fine."
"What do you want to tell her and I'm not allowed to know?" Morgana interfered.
"It's not that I don't want you to know, I just trying to avoid a conflict. You're both really reckless, girls, and the last thing I want is two high priestesses turning this place into ash. Not that I like this place, but I do actually doubt any of you would look good without a single mop of hair on your head."
"If I promise to never see her again, will you leave her alone."
"What?"
"I'll join you if you promise no innocent will be harm. You want power. I'll give you power. But I have my rules too."
She didn't like it, but Helen knew it was the best she could have. She doesn't love Merlin after all and she knew he would keep his word.
"What if I refuse you?" she didn't want to give up so easily. Merlin didn't say a word. Instead his eyes shone gold and Helen was on her knees.
"I've linked myself to her." the princess said hoping he would stop. He did.
"So?"
"What are your requests?"
"I have two requests. One: you give Morgana the Gorlois lands and castle and enough gold to live like a lady. Two: no innocent would be harm."
"And you're going to bring the power of the Old Religion back to the realm and punished those who opposed us."
"No, I'll kill those who deserve it. What about your father?"
"Deal." Helen answered.
"How should I call you? Helen or Nimueh?"
"Hildegard…." The princess answered, shocking him, but her voice was so feeble. Too feeble for someone like her and Merlin wondered what secrets she hid. But soon she changed her mind. "Queen Nimueh. So, people will know I'm back." Her voice was strong again.
"So be it, queen Nimueh."