"Morgana, did you sleep well?" Uther asked, as she sat down for breakfast in the dining hall.

"Quite well, My Lord. Gaius's new sleeping draught is working wonders. He truly is a gifted physician," she smiled brightly.

"That he is. We are certainly blessed to have him."

"It made me consider, My Lord, that terrible day at Father's grave when that man tried to kill you. What if he'd injured you? Or me? We were so far from the castle, I wouldn't have known what to do without Gaius."

"Fortunately, thanks to your skill with a blade, we didn't have to find out," he said, squeezing her hand affectionately.

"And that's what made me consider, My Lord. I was taught to use a sword as Arthur was as a child. And it saved our lives. Perhaps my education should continue."

"In sword fighting? I hardly think you need more training, you're quite efficient," he said, as a servant refilled his cup.

"No, I mean in healing," she said, watching his response carefully.

Uther looked at her with confusion. "You wish to train as a physician? That's highly uncommon for a highborn lady."

"So is learning to wield a sword," she smiled. "I believe learning to be a healer would make me a great asset to the Court. Gaius is getting older, and eventually he will need more help."

"You intend to replace him one day as Court Physician?" Uther asked, surprised.

"I could never replace, but merely serve alongside. I feel I could do more to serve Camelot and you, My Lord. I would still be able to perform my duties at Court of course, but I would need time to study and work alongside Gaius."

"Morgana, we've not spoken of this in awhile, and your father wished you should only wed if you choose, but would you not wish to wed soon? You speak of staying in Camelot, but what about the need to run a castle for your Lord Husband?"

"I do not wish to wed soon, My Lord. Perhaps eventually. But even if I never wed, you would not object to me remaining here with you, would you?" she asked, a hint of vulnerability in her voice she knew Uther couldn't resist.

"My dearest girl, Camelot is your home, and you are always welcome in my Court," he said, squeezing her hand again.

She smiled affectionately at him. "So you won't object to me asking Gaius to be his apprentice?"

He returned her smile. "If that is what your heart desires, then you shall have it. I am sure it would be helpful to have a woman physician as well, aside from the midwives, of course."

"Thank you, My Lord!" she beamed at him. "I hope Gaius will allow me to be his apprentice."

"He doesn't have a choice. I'm the King, and it shall be done," he said with authority.

"I'm very excited, My Lord. If I may be excused, I will go find Gaius immediately."

He nodded, and smiled happily as she kissed his cheek before departing.

"Merlin!" Morgana greeted him, and she passed him and Arthur walking towards the dining hall.

"Good morning to you too, Morgana," Arthur rolled his eyes. Morgana ignored him.

"The King says I can apprentice with Gaius. He's even ordered it done. I'm going to be a physician!" she grinned.

"That's wonderful news, Morgana! You'll be an incredible physician," Merlin said, his dimpled smile wide.

"Why on earth would you want to be a physician?" Arthur asked suspiciously.

"Because I want to help people," she said, lifting her chin proudly.

Arthur looked at her and then Merlin. "Strange," he said, then continued to the hall.

Morgana grinned at Merlin and then whispered in his ear, "I'll see you later today."

He couldn't help but flush at the close contact, then continued to catch up with Arthur who was looking at them suspiciously, as she walked in the opposite direction.

"This has to stop," Arthur said. "The King would have your head if he found out, and there's no point denying it."

"Denying what?" he asked with alarm.

"Your affections for the Lady Morgana."

He breathed out a laugh, "Right."

"Take a bit of advice from someone who knows about women."

"Well, if such a person existed, I would," Merlin grinned.

"Stick to girls who are more...how can I put it? On your level."

That's right, lowly servant. "Thanks."

"She can't be your friend. Let alone anything else."

He frowned. "Yeah, I know."

Arthur looked at him critically. "You can't hide anything from me, Merlin."

"I wouldn't dream of it."