Chapter 11

"How long?" Arthur asks suddenly, breaking the comfortable and friendly silence that has encompassed the two men since they departed from the Druid camp. When they left, the Druids were in the process of packing up their things and breaking down their tents. Iseldir wished them luck, thanked them, and sent them on their way with a small bow. Now, Arthur and Merlin are on their way back to Camelot at a fast pace. It can't be known that Arthur is missing. If someone were to find out, it would surely get back to the King, raising questions about Arthur's whereabouts. And that's something that they can't risk happening. Not when they're so close to saving these people.

"Hm?" Merlin hums lazily, playing dumb. He obviously knows what Arthur means by the question, but it seems as if he's not willing to broach the subject just yet.

'Well, too bad.' Arthur thinks hastily. He's never been very good at accepting "no" as an answer.

"Don't be stupid, Merlin. You know what I mean." Merlin sighs in defeat, and Arthur smirks at his success.

"All my life." Merlin answers simply, looking down and fiddling with the strap of his bag.

Arthur gives a sarcastic laugh before saying, "Very funny, Merlin. But really, how long?"

Merlin looks over at Arthur and stops walking, prompting Arthur to do the same. "I'm being serious. I've been able to do magic all my life." Arthur's face takes on an expression of pure shock.

"But- But that's impossible."

"It's not. That's why I'm called a 'Warlock' and not a 'Sorcerer'."

"You mean there's a difference?" Arthur asks, genuine curiosity lacing his tone as his brow furrows and his head tilts to the side in confusion.

Merlin looks at Arthur like he's an idiot and rolls his eyes in exasperation at his friend's naivety about magic. "Well, of course, there's a difference! A Sorcerer is someone who learns magic, they have to study magic in order to practice it. But a Warlock doesn't have to study it; They're born with the ability. It's practically instinctual." Merlin explains patiently, understanding Arthur's ignorance. His father had destroyed every piece of magic he could get his hands on, whether it be books, artifacts, or even people. Of course, he wouldn't educate his son about magic.

"That… Actually makes sense." Arthur says slowly, looking at Merlin quizzically. "So, the Druids… They're Warlocks?"

"Some of them, yes." Merlin replies simply, continuing to walk through the forest, Arthur following close behind as they resume their journey back to Camelot.

~~~Time Skip~~~

Arthur and Merlin separate before they enter the Citadel so as not to raise suspicion. They agree to meet up in Arthur's chambers in an hour with Morgana and Gwen. Arthur is to find Gwen and Merlin is on his way to get Morgana.

Merlin is now hurrying his way through the castle toward Morgana's chambers, trying to figure out how he's going to tell Morgana what has happened. He doesn't know why he's so nervous. He's never had a hard time speaking with Morgana about such things, so what's different this time?

'Oh, I don't know. Maybe it's because Arthur found out about my magic accidentally rather than hearing it from me?' Merlin seethes to himself. Don't get him wrong, Merlin isn't complaining about how things went down. Not only does he not have to hide his magic from Arthur anymore, but his and Arthur's destinies have now been solidified. He can feel it. The Land of Albion is brewing on the horizon. He's so close, he can practically taste it. But, that doesn't change the fact that he was a coward for not telling Arthur about his magic sooner. Morgana had been unbelievably brave when telling Arthur about her newfound abilities, and Merlin can't help but think that Morgana's confession should have been a sign for him to do the same. But, what's done is done. And, either way, everything worked out for the better.

Merlin is so caught up in his thoughts that he doesn't notice the person walking toward him until they put their hands on his arms and say his name. He perks up immediately, easily recognizing his lover's voice. At this moment, every doubt disappears. Of course, Morgana won't think less of him. She understands the fear that he faces every day, and she won't judge him for trying to protect himself. Besides, in the end, he had sworn fealty to Arthur, proclaiming his loyalty and begging to enlighten Arthur on the importance of their destiny. They have taken the first step, and there is no doubt that Morgana will be ecstatic when she hears the news.

"Morgana! I have great news!" Merlin looks up from the floor to meet Morgana's eyes, a bright grin stretching across his lips as he takes in the vivid, captivating green of her irises and her soft, caring smile.

"Come to my chambers, then. I do assume that this is something that shouldn't be discussed in public?" Morgana's voice lowers to a whisper as her eyes shift around the empty corridor to ensure that no one is listening in.

"You assume correctly, My Lady." Merlin holds out his arms for Morgana to take, figuring that there's no harm in acting like a couple as long as they are alone. Morgana giggles and blushes as she takes Merlin's arm in hers.

"Oh, how gentlemanly of you, Merlin." Morgana snarks playfully as they walk down the corridor to Morgana's chambers.

"Well, someone has to do it, and we all know that Arthur isn't fit for the job." Merlin sasses back, jutting out his chin, trying to hide his content smile. He never feels more at ease than when he's sharing these private moments with Morgana. She completes him. Merlin can't wait for the day when they can be open about their relationship so they can share moments like this without the threat of being caught, and possibly hanged, in Merlin's case.

The thought brings Merlin to another conundrum. Arthur now knows about Merlin's magic, and he's beginning to understand their shared destiny, but he does not yet know the extent of Merlin and Morgana's relationship. He probably suspects that something has changed, but Merlin doubts that he knows what that "something" is. After all, you have to be a bit more than dense to not notice all of the conveniently falling branches and flying swords that have become a staple part of every battle he engages in. Merlin chuckles to himself and decides to speak to Morgana about it when they reach her chambers. Now seems to be as good of a time as any. And, either way, with what they're planning, they can't afford to keep secrets from each other.

The pair reaches their destination and they check the corridor to ensure that it is deserted before Morgana pulls Merlin into the room, quickly shutting the door behind her.

Before Merlin even has a chance to breathe, Morgana's lips are on his, kissing him deeply, conveying her feelings of worry and relief in the wordless gesture. Merlin suspects that some of his ability to understand what Morgana's thinking or feeling comes from that night, not so long ago, when he let his magic flow through Morgana to help her learn to control her power. He also suspects that Morgana has the same ability, though they have yet to talk about it.

Merlin and Morgana pull away from the kiss but remain in each other's arms. They stand there for a moment before they break apart, though they are still within touching distance of each other.

"So, you said you have news?" Morgana questions, prompting Merlin to remember the reason he sought Morgana out in the first place.

"Oh, right! Come here." Merlin says, guiding Morgana to sit next to him on the bed. They sit close enough that their legs touch and their arms brush together. "I warned the Druids of the attack. They were packing up to leave for Cenred's kingdom when I left." Merlin starts, deciding to work up to the big news.

"That's fantastic! Do you think they'll make it?" Morgana's brows are furrowed with worry, and Merlin feels a wave of affection flow through him at the sheer force of Morgana's compassion. He leans in to kiss the tip of her nose comfortingly.

"They'll make it, Morgana." Merlin reassures, hoping to quell Morgana's anxiety. "There's more though…" Merlin trails off, pausing to consider his next words.

"Oh?" Morgana quirks a perfect brow at his statement, her head tilting to the side adorably as she wonders what Merlin will say next.

Merlin takes a deep breath, trying to contain his excitement. "Arthur followed me-" Merlin starts to elaborate, but he is quickly cut off when Morgana begins to ramble frantically.

"Are you alright?! Do we need to get you out of the Citadel?! I can get us horses and ask Gwen to pack you some food and supplies, and we can-"

"Morgana, calm down. I'm fine, love. Arthur wasn't angry. He's not going to hurt me." Merlin assures, putting an end to Morgana's frantic words.

Morgana stares at him in shock for a moment before her features morph into an expression of relief and understanding. "Right, I should have guessed. Arthur may be many things, but a hypocrite is not one of them." Morgana pauses. "Based on your expression, I'd guess that it went well."

Merlin's grin widens, if that's even possible, and he nods vehemently. "Morgana, it was amazing. He told the Druids of his plans to overthrow Uther, and he swore to bring magic to Camelot once more. It couldn't have been more perfect. It's almost as if I could feel our destiny click into place. I have never been more sure that we will succeed. Albion is so close to becoming a reality, and I can't wait to share it with you, Morgana."

Morgana fixes Merlin with a look of adoration, leaning over to peck him on the lips once he has finished speaking. She pulls back to press her forehead against Merlin's, gazing deeply into his crystal blue eyes. "That is amazing. I am so happy for you, Merlin. For both of you. But, I have a feeling that there is something else on your mind."

Merlin smiles softly before murmuring, "You're right… I think we should tell them about us, Arthur and Gwen, I mean. I love you, Morgana. You make me happy, and I'm done hiding that happiness from our best friends." Merlin pauses, gauging Morgana's reaction and grinning when he sees Morgana's eyes light up.

"I agree, we should tell them. I love you, too, and I hate that we have to hide like this. It simply isn't fair." Merlin pulls Morgana to his chest, holding her in his arms as she snuggles into his chest. They stay like that, wrapped up in each other, for a minute or two longer, enjoying the moment.

"Arthur wants to meet in his chambers soon. He was going to find Gwen when we separated."

Morgana reluctantly disentangles herself from Merlin, sitting up with a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. "Did he now? You know, I'm surprised that they haven't gotten together yet. The tension between them is palpable."

"Oh good, I'm not the only one who sees it. I was beginning to think I was losing my mind." Merlin cries in exasperation, throwing his hands in the air as he stands. Morgana giggles.

"Oh, honey, you're mind abandoned you a long time ago."

Merlin snorts and tugs Morgana to her feet, leaning down to peck her on the nose, uttering a quick, "hush, you", in mock admonishment.

"Never." Morgana replies, a playful smirk curling at her lips. She huffs out one more quick laugh before grabbing Merlin's hand and beginning to pull him from her chambers. "Come on, then. We best not keep her majesty waiting." Morgana hears Merlin snicker from behind her and she can't help but think that she's finally found her place in the world. She belongs here, at Merlin's side, at Arthur and Gwen's side, and she refuses to let that be taken from her.

~~~Time Skip~~~

Arthur has officially run out of patience. He's looked everywhere for Gwen, but the woman has seemingly disappeared into thin air. Okay, maybe he hasn't looked everywhere , but that's not the point. The point is that Arthur has been looking for her for almost an hour and he is perilously close to giving up.

Just as he's about to abandon his mission, Arthur catches a glimpse of dark skin and impossibly curly hair. Arthur sighs in relief and breaks into a jog to catch up to her.

"Gweneviere?" Arthur calls. Gwen turns to him, a blush heating her cheeks as she faces Arthur. She can't help but think back to yesterday and their almost kiss. She pushes that train of thought aside as she walks forward to meet Arthur.

"Sire." She curtseys, making Arthur chuckle at her formality.

"We've been over this, Gweneveire. There's no need for formality if we're alone."

"Of course, how could I forget." They share an awkward moment before Arthur decides to break the silence.

"Merlin has returned from the camp. I can't say much in this setting, but Morgana and Merlin should be on their way to my chambers as we speak. Care to join us?"

"Of course. Is Merlin alright?" Gwen asks, worry for her friend lacing her tone. Arthur doesn't seem to be concerned, but she can't help the sliver of doubt that creeps its way into her mind.

"He's fine. More than fine, I'd say." Arthur replies cryptically, smiling as he remembers the life-changing moment that had taken place earlier in the day. "I'll tell you more when we meet with Morgana and Merlin." Arthur adds when he notices the confusion in Gwen's eyes.

"That's good. Well, shall we go?" Gwen says, turning and walking away. Before she can make it very far, Arthur calls her name, his tone uncertain.

Gwen turns back to Arthur, noticing his averted eyes and restless hands. "What is it, Arthur?"

"We need to talk… About yesterday."

Dread pools in Gwen's stomach when she hears Arthur's words. She was hoping that Arthur would just forget the incident, or at least pretend to. But it seems that Arthur is unwilling to let the matter go ignored. For what reason, Gwen does not know. Despite her hesitance toward the matter, she can't help the foolish feeling of hope that overtakes her when she considers where this conversation may lead.

"Yes, I- I guess we do…" Gwen trails off, expecting Arthur to start. He is the one who brought it up, after all.

"We almost… Kissed?" Arthur begins awkwardly. He curses himself. He's the bloody Crowned Prince, and yet he's been reduced to a blubbering fool by the woman standing in front of him. He doesn't know what it is about Gweneveire, but she never ceases to render him speechless. The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes that he's falling for her. Her charms and compassion; Her courage, and her uncanny ability to speak her mind. And the fact that, when she speaks, people are compelled to listen.

'She would make a great Queen.' Arthur's mind supplies. He shakes his head. Let's not be premature. Arthur doesn't even know if she's interested. 'Well, I guess I'm about to find out.'

"Gweneveire, when I become King I am going to make changes. One of those changes will be that nobility doesn't have to marry nobility. I've seen too many situations where people of a higher societal rank are not able to be with whom they love because of Camelot's archaic law on the matter. And… Recently, I have been in the same situation." Arthur pauses, hoping that Gwen will figure out what he's attempting to say on her own. When her expression remains blank, he continues, realizing that he is going to have to just come out and say it. Besides, Gwen deserves an actual confession from him, not a half-assed announcement. "Gweneveire, I- Gods, if this ever gets back to Merlin I will never hear the end of it. Okay; Gweneveire, what I am trying to say is that you have a special place in my heart. You make me want to be a better man. I care deeply for you, perhaps more than I should, and I don't want to lie to myself anymore. Neither of us deserves that. When we almost kissed, it wasn't just because I was caught up in the moment. I actually wanted to, I still want to. And if you don't feel the same, I understand, but-" Arthur's words are muffled by a pair of soft lips as Gwen surges forward. Arthur's eyes are open wide in shock, but he quickly closes them once his brain catches up to the situation.

They break apart, breathless and flushed. Gwen keeps close, her face only centimeters away from Arthur's as she gazes into his deep blue eyes. "Just shut up before you hurt yourself. Of course, I want you, you dolt. Isn't it obvious?"

"I-" Arthur stammers, his mind still attempting to process what's happened.

Gwen silences him with another kiss, this time letting it linger for only a moment before pulling away and taking Arthur's hand in hers. "Come on, we can talk more later. You know how Merlin and Morgana can get when left unsupervised for too long. For all we know, they could be setting your bedclothes aflame as we speak." Gwen laughs as Arthur's eyes grow wide in horror. Gwen doesn't wait for a response as she begins tugging Arthur down the corridor.

"But we will actually talk about this later, right?" Gwen hears Arthur murmur from behind her. She looks back and nods, giving him a reassuring smile as she continues to lead a shell-shocked Arthur through the castle.

~~~Time Skip~~~

Gwen and Arthur reach their destination and quickly open the door, slipping inside before someone has the chance to see them. Gwen is the last one through the door, so she has no idea what Arthur is referring to when he yells, "What the hell is going on?!" Well, that is, until she turns around.

Merlin and Morgana are standing in each other's arms, faces flushed and lips slightly swollen. Arthur is standing, shocked, a few feet from the door. It's rather obvious what they've been caught doing, and Gwen finds the situation hilariously perfect. Because, honestly, how else would Arthur find out about Merlin and Morgana's relationship? She can't help but laugh at the priceless expressions on her three companion's faces.

"What?! How is this funny?!" Arthur sputters, obviously still attempting to wrap his head around the situation.

"Sorry-" Gwen laughs as she tries to speak, failing to keep herself together, despite her best efforts. She takes a deep, shaking breath and continues speaking. "I'm sorry, but this is just too perfect." Gwen continues giggling.

"Wow, I'm really feeling the love, Gwen." Merlin deadpans but refuses to let go of Morgana, instead tightening his hold on her waist, despite Arthur's scrutiny.

"You knew?!" Arthur rounds on Gwen, who is biting down on her hand to stifle her laughter. She grins and nods humorously.

"Why didn't you tell me, Merlin? I thought we were friends!" Arthur says incredulously, whirling around to face the couple once more.

"Arthur Pendragon!" Morgana shouts, Arthur reeling back at the raw fury contained in the woman's voice. "You will take that back this instant! Of course, he's your friend, dumbass! But that doesn't mean he has to tell you everything. Especially when it's something like this. And besides, we knew you'd probably react easily. And on top of that…" Morgana's voice softens. "...You've had so much on your mind lately. We didn't want to add anything else to your plate. But, if it's any consolation, we were planning on telling you today." Morgana finishes, gazing at Arthur imploringly.

Arthur sighs, hanging his head shamefully as he realizes the truth behind Morgana's words. "You're right, I'm sorry, Merlin. And yes, that does help quite a bit." Arthur chuckles. "Looks like I'm uncovering a great many of your secrets today, Merlin." Arthur says playfully.

Merlin sighs, stepping away from Morgana with a sheepish grin on his face. "It seems so. And speaking of secrets, let's make sure that no one can overhear ours." Merlin says, making his way to the door.

"What do you mean?" Arthur asks, glancing curiously at his manservant as he passes by. Merlin stops walking and shoots a grin in Arthur's direction.

"Magic." Merlin says simply before turning back to the door and outstretching his hands, palms facing the wooden door. "Bedyrne ure wordum." Merlin incants. His irises fill with molten gold once the ancient words leave his tongue and tendrils of golden light stretch from his fingers to the door. They seem to seep into the wood, making it glow softly before disappearing altogether.

Merlin hears a gasp and he turns to face the other occupants of the room. Gwen is standing next to Arthur with her hands covering her mouth in shock, her eyes are wide with disbelief.

"You can do magic?" She whispers, dropping her hands slowly. Her words lack the fear Merlin had been expecting, which bodes well for the upcoming conversation. Before Merlin can confirm, Arthur steps in, taking Gwen's hands and bringing them to his lips for a moment.

"He can, but he's not evil, Gweneveire. I can promise you that." Arthur sends a questioning look to Morgana and receives a nod in response to his unspoken query. "And neither is Morgana." Gwen gasps once more, her eyes flitting to Morgana and then back to Arthur. "We can trust them; They are on our side."

Gwen takes another moment to think about what has been revealed, her brows furrowing as she considers. She sighs, softly removing her hands from Arthur's grasp. "Now that I think about it, it does make quite a bit of sense. I mean, how else has Arthur managed to stay alive for so long?" Gwen teases, smiling at Merlin and Morgana as Arthur stutters out incoherent denials. Gwen walks over to Merlin and grabs him in her arms, pulling him roughly into a hug.

"So, you're not afraid?" Merlin whispers hopefully.

Gwen chuckles, gripping Merlin tighter. "Of course I'm not afraid!" She exclaims, pulling away from Merlin and looking him in the eye. "You're my best friend," She turns so she can address Morgana as well. "Both of you mean the world to me. Having magic doesn't change that, nor does it change who you are." Gwen finishes, smiling warmly.

A comfortable silence passes between the group, broken by Arthur asking, "Merlin, what exactly did you do?"

"Oh, that? It was a privacy spell. If anyone walks by and tries to listen in, they'll just think that we're talking nonsense."

"Oh, so the usual for you, then?" Arthur smirks playfully, enjoying the squawk of indignation Merlin lets out at his sarcasm.

"Oi, I make sense!" Merlin counters.

"Boys, I think we're getting a bit off track." Morgana drawls, making her way over to Merlin and pecking him on the cheek lovingly.

"Right." Arthur says, clearing his throat and straightening his back, his features taking on a determined look. "The Druids are on their way to Cenred's Kingdom where they will be safe, at least for the time being. The first step is complete. Now comes the difficult part." Arthur pauses, taking a breath. "It's time to take my father's crown and bring magic back to Camelot."

A/N: The spell in this chapter translates to "conceal our words".

This is the last chapter of Part 1 in the "Destiny Rewritten" series. I've been debating whether or not to make this one large story or to break it up into parts. I decided to do it this way because the story just seemed to flow better when I separated it. I have not started or planned the second part yet, but I do have some ideas. I just need to put them all together and find a way to make that mess into something cohesive.

I hope you enjoyed this story! Please leave reviews and let me know what you liked and how I can improve!

Much Love,

RavenGrey2107