"Please don't lead him on, Morgana. He's really very delicate," Arthur said, having told Morgana his deductions about Merlin's feelings.
"Really, Arthur, Merlin has never been anything but completely appropriate. In fact, you could stand to learn some manners from him," she said, drinking her tea and watching him stuff his face with disgust.
"But he definitely pines for you," Arthur said, talking with his mouth full.
"As do a great many men," she answered haughtily.
"Present company excluded, I assure you," he replied, finishing his ale.
"Good, that would be disgusting if you did. Practically incest, I would say," she laughed. "But leave poor Merlin alone. He's been a good friend to me, and to you. He would never cross a line of propriety."
"But you would," he glared.
She grinned wickedly. "And have on numerous occasions. But I promise, I will preserve Merlin's virtue."
"Gwen, could you please let Merlin know it's time to train, and I'll expect to see him there. Virtue in tact," Arthur said, leaving the room with a huff.
"Of course, Sire," she called after him.
"Can you believe him? He thinks I'm going to seduce poor Merlin!" Morgana laughed.
Gwen smiled. "I think he's just being protective, Milady."
"He should hold Merlin in much higher esteem than he does. He doesn't appreciate his worth."
"I'm glad you do, Milady. Merlin is a good man."
"He is, truly."
"And rather attractive," Gwen offered.
She smiled. "Mmm, indeed he is and… oh, not you too, Gwen?" she frowned.
"I'm just saying I wouldn't blame you if you fancied him a bit. I did at one time."
"But you don't now," Morgana said.
Gwen shook her head.
"I suppose Arthur does overshadow him," she grinned as Gwen's bronzed cheeks flushed. "It's okay. I'll keep your secret that you fancy my br— almost brother, if you won't tell Merlin that I do find him quite attractive and charming."
"That sounds fair, Milady," Gwen giggled.
"Not that either of us have much of a chance for our heart's desire so long as Uther sits the throne," she frowned. "Can you imagine, when Arthur is king? You, Queen of Camelot. Me, the King's sister, the Princess Morgana and Court Physician."
"And? Wed to Merlin?" she teased.
Morgana laughed. "It could only be worse if we were all sorcerers. Uther would roll over in his grave."
"It's a lovely dream, although the King might outlive us all," Gwen said.
Morgana shook her head. "No, the shock of both of his beloved children marrying servants would certainly do him in."
Gwen laughed along with Morgana.
"Seriously though, I have no intention of putting Merlin in harm's way by making any romantic advances on him. He's been a true friend of us all. Arthur's imagination runs away with him."
"Of course, I know you would never want to hurt Merlin."
"Please be careful yourself. Don't misunderstand me, Gwen. I would love to see you at Arthur's side as his queen. There is no one I would rather call my Queen. But…"
"But it is merely a lovely dream, nothing more. I know my place as well, Milady. As does Merlin."
Morgana grasped Gwen's rough hands in her own. "Someday, Gwen, it will be more than just a dream. Someday, Camelot will be a place that values us for who we truly are, and not just for what we appear to be."
"I hope to live to see that dream come true," Gwen smiled.
As do I, Morgana thought. Rather than die at Merlin's hands.
"Oh goodness, I should get going. I don't wish to keep Gaius waiting," Morgana said.
"Will you need me to accompany you when you're there?"
"Oh no. Please take a well-earned break from my company during that time. I plan to spend several hours each day with Gaius and on my own with my studies. I expect you'll have a lot more free time to do as you like."
"If you need me though, I will be happy to oblige."
"Of course. Thank you, Gwen." She smiled. "You're a caring friend."
"As are you, Milady. Enjoy your studies."
As Morgana walked down the castle halls, she thought more about her dream, and about her destiny and Arthur's. She thought about all the harm Uther had done, and what the Druid man had told her in the dream life. She wasn't sure Uther deserved pity, but she would try for her own sake. Maybe his heart, like her own, could be changed for the better.
She worked with Gaius all afternoon, without a hint of magic. He gave her multiple books from which to study, one on anatomy and one on botany, and another on the history of healing. Morgana was to return to her room in the evening and study these books. She would only study magic after Gwen had left for the evening and she returned to Gaius's chambers, where she could also work with Merlin. This was so their time was less likely to be interrupted, and Merlin would be available after leaving Arthur for the night. It was explainable as Morgana needed to attend Court during the day and needed additional time for her studies in the evening.
As the weeks went on, and turned to months, Morgana was happier than she'd been since her father had died. She was learning so much, about both magic and medicine, and she was able to help the people of Camelot. She had recently cured a child's fever, the mother weeping at her feet in gratitude. It made her chest swell with pride that she had worked hard to find the cure, and with traditional medicine, not even with magic.
It also gave her a fresh perspective on the needs of the people, working so often among the peasants. She was able to advise Uther on what needs were unmet and how things could be better managed. He had told her he was proud of her. She was unexpectedly touched by that declaration.
And best of all, she had been without any terrible prophetic dreams in months. Until suddenly she wasn't.