Morgana woke just before sunrise to prepare for the long day ahead. Gwen would be around soon to help her dress and put up her hair, but she took a moment to watch the sky come alive outside of her window. The dawning of a new day, and new age for Camelot, she marveled; the beginning of the life she had dreamed about.
She pulled out two dresses from her armoire. One was her coronation gown, white satin with gold and silver embroidery. The other was a sapphire blue gown with gold and silver trim that she had specially made for Gwen. She was very excited to see her in it. She was even more excited for Arthur to see it. She wanted him to imagine how Gwen would look beside him as his Queen.
Gwen knocked and entered a few moments later with a breakfast tray.
"Oh, Gwen, I'm far too anxious to eat a single bite," she said, finishing brushing out her hair.
"You must eat a little something. Wouldn't want to faint during the coronation. The dress you've chosen is quite restrictive."
"Oh, speaking of dresses, do take a look at what I've laid out for you to wear," she said, nonchalantly.
Gwen looked confused and walked over to the dressing area. She gasped. "Milady, you've set this dress out for me to wear? But why?"
"Of course. You can't be a Lady in Waiting at Court wearing servant's clothes."
"Lady in Waiting? But, Morgana, I'm not nobility," Gwen said, shocked.
"I don't care, and neither does Arthur. You'll be magnificent. I could use more help with the added responsibilities I have. First thing you'll need to do is hire a new ladies' maid to serve us," Morgana said.
"Us? But I don't need…"
"Of course you will. You'll need to look the part, and to do so, you'll need some assistance. Also, I think you should move to the palace. It would make things easier."
"I will consider it, Milady," Gwen said, stunned.
"Good. Now, let me help you into that dress, I can't wait to see how it looks," Morgana beamed.
A few hours later, they were both ready for the coronation. Morgana's loose curls hung behind her in a partial updo, which would accommodate her crown. Gwen's flowing hair was uncharacteristically tamed into a sleek updo.
"Here, try these earrings," Morgana said, handing her a pair. "Perfect."
A knock came at the door. Gwen answered it.
"Merlin!" she said, letting him in. "What do you think?"
"Gwen, you look stunning! I hear congratulations are in order."
"Indeed, I've been promoted. You look very nice, Merlin. Arthur made you clean up, I see."
"Yes, I…" he hesitated as Morgana approached, looking like a Queen. He bowed. "Your Highness."
"You do look very handsome, Merlin. Here, let me fix this," she said, smoothing out his collar. She let her hand lightly graze his neck as she did it. She gave a small smile as she heard his sudden inhale of breath.
He cleared his throat. "Your Highness, I believe it is time to take our places in the hall. The Knights of Camelot are outside to escort you."
"Of course. Gwen, it is time," she said, letting her fingers linger a moment longer.
Arthur appeared in the hall. "Morgana? Are you ready?"
"Arthur, you look quite regal," she smiled, inspecting him. "Gwen, doesn't the King look splendid?"
Gwen flushed, and curtsied. "Yes, His Majesty does."
Arthur's mouth hung open at the sight of her.
Clotpole is speechless for once, Merlin told Morgana. She grinned.
"What do you think of Gwen's new dress? She looks stunning, doesn't she? I chose it for her," Morgana bragged.
"Yes, I… beautiful," Arthur stammered.
Merlin rolled his eyes.
"Gwen, Merlin, could you give Arthur and I a moment alone?" Morgana asked.
"Of course, we'll wait for you outside, Milady," Gwen said, sweeping past Arthur with her elaborate skirt.
Morgana closed the door with a flick of her wrist.
Arthur jumped. "I'm still not used to that."
She smiled. "I wanted a moment with you before the coronation, to tell you how proud I am of you."
Arthur embraced her, careful not to wrinkle her gown or mess her hair. "I'm glad you're here with me, I wouldn't want to do this alone. I don't think I could."
"I'm certain you would be a fine king without me, but I'm glad to be a part of your court. In another life, that wouldn't have been possible. I'm grateful you've embraced me, magic and all."
"Morgana," he frowned. "I know the edict going out today isn't all you've hoped for, but I need more time."
She nodded. "It's an important first step, stopping the execution of magic users. And for it to be your first official act, it's significant."
"I couldn't let my beloved sister continue to be subject to an offense punishable by death, living in fear in her own lands, surely," he said, shaking his head. "Even if Father would be outraged by it all."
She looked up at him, wondering when that scrawny little kid his friends had called Wart, and later the spoiled, arrogant adolescent prince, grew up to be such a good man. She put a gloved hand on his cheek.
"You'll be a better king than Uther. You'll be the best king to ever rule these lands."
He nodded, blinking back tears. "Thank you."
"I love you, Brother," she said, embracing him again, and kissing his cheek.
"I love you, too," he whispered into her hair.
She pulled away and inspected him one last time. "Come, King Arthur, it's time to accept your crown," she said, taking his hand and leading him out the door.
. . .
The coronation was a magnificent affair, with an assortment of visiting dignitaries attending. Arthur took his vows to Camelot, with Morgana at his side.
The banquet was exquisite, and Arthur looked every bit the King, with his golden crown atop his golden hair. Morgana, seated at his side, with her golden tiara. And Gwen, seated beside her, looking nervous but elated.
"More wine, Milady?" Merlin smiled, as he poured more into Gwen's cup at the banquet.
"Merlin, you needn't serve me," Gwen said.
"Of course, I do. You aren't a servant anymore," he said, warmly.
Merlin may be happy for her, but she could see the looks of jealousy on the other servants' faces.
One of the knights approached and asked Gwen to dance, Morgana shooing her off to do so while declining her own offer.
"You should dance, Morgana," Arthur said, eyeing Gwen on the dance floor.
"I much prefer to watch. She looks lovely, doesn't she?"
"Indeed, she does," he said, his voice softening.
"I hope this will make her transition easier," Morgana smiled slyly.
"Transition?"
"Yes. Going from Lady in Waiting to Queen should be easier than servant to Queen. Her hands will be softer by then at least," Morgana grinned over her wine cup.
Arthur looked at her and sighed. "I'm that obvious, am I?"
"Quite. But she will make a wonderful Queen. One doesn't need to be a seer to know that."
He smiled, watching Gwen glide gracefully across the dance floor. "And what about you? No suitors here among all this stuffy nobility?"
"Stuffy nobility indeed, and certainly not any of them, no," she smiled, her eyes drifting to Merlin, who was standing across the room. If Arthur caught her meaning, he didn't let on.
"Well, come, dance with your brother at least," he said, wiping his face and extending his hand.
"As His Majesty Commands," she said, taking it.
. . .
The party finally wound down, and Arthur bid his guests goodnight, Merlin following behind him.
"Gwen, I am ready to retire myself," Morgana said, with an exaggerated yawn.
"Oh, yes, of course," she said, watching Arthur leave.
They left the banquet hall just behind Arthur and Merlin.
"Oh, Your Majesty," Morgana said. "If you could possibly manage to take off your own trousers, could I borrow your manservant? I need some things carried back from the banquet hall this evening."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "I can dress myself, I do it all the time." Merlin stifled a grin beside him.
"Wonderful," Morgana smiled. "Would you be so kind as to escort Gwen home, however? It's quite late."
"Oh, what about your gown, Morgana?" Gwen asked.
"I will be fine," she replied, not asking how Gwen might manage to unlace her own.
"Very well. Shall we, Guinevere?" he said, offering her his arm.
"Certainly, Sire," she smiled.
"That was just a bit obvious of you," Merlin grinned, watching the couple disappear down the corridor.
"They could use a push," she explained. "Walk with me?"
He offered her his arm. He was ready to leave when they reached her door, but she stopped him.
"You promised," she pouted.
He looked around, and quickly entered her chambers, as she closed the door behind them.
She slowly put her arms around his neck and kissed him. "I've been wanting to do that all night."
"Me too," he admitted.
She kissed him again, her hands in his hair.
He pulled away reluctantly. "I thought we were going to talk?"
She sighed. "Fine. At least let me get comfortable, it's been an exhausting day. Will you help me out of this gown?" she asked, turning around for him to untie the laces.
His hands trembled slightly as he worked the laces, as he'd once done years ago. Once undone, Morgana slid down the gown and stepped out of it, wearing only her shift. Nothing he hadn't seen before, but as she picked up the gown and hung it up, making no effort to cover herself, he let himself look over her body. She was exquisite, the very picture of feminine perfection, he thought.
She sat down at the vanity table and began unpinning her hair. He watched with fascination for a moment then he muttered a few words to make the remaining pins come out, her hair falling loosely around her shoulders. She grinned at him in the mirror as she began to brush her hair. He let himself enjoy the intimacy of the moment, to think he could be privy to this ritual every night. But then he shook himself back to reality.
"We should talk," he said, finally.
"Indeed," she said, tugging on a stubborn tangle.
"I don't know what's happening here, but I'm concerned," he frowned.
She turned around to face him. "Do you not desire me, Merlin?"
"That's not the problem, not at all," he laughed mirthlessly.
"Then have you no affection for me?" she frowned.
"On the contrary, I care very deeply for you," he said.
She looked relieved but confused. "So then why do you hesitate to take what I offer you?"
"I'm not sure what you're offering, to be honest," he said.
She put the brush down and stood up to face him.
She kissed him softly. "I'm offering myself to you. My heart. My body."
He looked at her, conflicted. "And your hand? Would you wed a servant, Milady?"
She looked up at him, her eyes filled with hope. "Are you asking for my hand?"
His expression was pained. "I have no right to ask. Arthur would never allow it."
"It isn't Arthur's choice, it's mine," she said, stubbornly.
"Why would you even want this? Want me?" he frowned. "Marrying a servant would be an embarrassment for you, even more so than just an affair, which would ruin your reputation."
"If being with a servant is good enough for the king, can I not make the same choice? Besides, I don't care what anyone else thinks about it. And once you reveal yourself as a sorcerer, your position will change."
"Yes, I might be burned at the stake," he groaned.
"I told you, I'd never allow him to harm you. Arthur loves me and has accepted me. And he loves you even if he won't admit it."
Merlin was silent, contemplating which he'd be more likely to die for, being a sorcerer or bedding the King's sister.
"Be honest with me, Merlin. If Arthur wasn't a concern, what would you want? Right here, right now? With no regard for consequences? What would you want?" she looked up at him, her eyes pleading.
He only had to look at her, and he was struck completely helpless.
"You. I want you." He placed a hand behind her neck and kissed her passionately. He wanted her desperately, there was no use denying it any longer.
She broke the kiss after a few moments and stepped away from him slightly. She pulled the straps of her shift down and let it fall to the ground around her feet. She drew him close again, kissing him, her bare chest pressed up against him.
They made it to her bed, where Merlin began to shed his clothes as well. He loved the feel of her, the taste of her. His mouth sucking gently on her breasts, and his fingers penetrating her wet folds. The soft hums she made as he explored her body was the most beautiful music he'd ever heard.
Morgana tugged off his tunic, and kissed across his smooth chest, caressing the soft down of dark hair. She brought his mouth back to hers, then deftly untied his britches. She pushed them down, revealing his hardened manhood, which she stroked gently. He moaned in response, having to focus to not finish right then and there.
Merlin, make love to me, she told him, without uttering a word. He heard her words echo in his mind, full of her love and desire for him.
As he entered her, their eyes glowed gold. The bed trembled with their joined energy as he moved inside of her. Their skin warmed and pulsed with magic as they made love. They approached climax, feeling the swirl of magic surrounding them, as they reached, then came down from, their shared ecstasy. It was unlike any experience either had ever had with magic, or with another person.
"Merlin, I love you," she whispered, overwhelmed by her feelings for him, and the magic they produced.
He looked into her eyes, no longer gold but her usual warm green. "I love you, Morgana."
He kissed her again, still inside of her, feeling himself growing hard again. It must be a very unique kind of magic, he thinks. He's never experienced anything like it.
. . .
They fell asleep in each other's arms, exhausted and fulfilled. They woke just before the sun was about to rise, and Merlin knew he had to leave before the servants began to arrive.
"Will you come to me again this evening?" she said, watching him dress. As she sat up, she let the sheet fall to her waist, exposing her breasts.
"Of course." He pulled her close and kissed her, groaning as he grew hard once again. She was addictive.
"I love you," she said, stroking him through his pants. "I don't want you to leave."
"I love you too, but you really have to, ohhh," he said, as she untied his pants again and brought her mouth to his cock. She licked a path down his hardened shaft and then took him entirely into her mouth, continuing to suck.
"Please, Morgana, I'm so close…" he groaned as he finished in her mouth.
He couldn't even see straight, as she wiped her mouth and swallowed his seed.
He grabbed her and kissed her hard. He pushed her back onto the bed, spreading her legs and sinking his mouth between them. He lapped up her wetness, and ran his tongue over her clitoris in rhythmic circles, his magic warm and pulsing, until she cried out, clutching the bedsheets as she came. She knew it was partly the way his magic combined with hers, and partly that she was in love with him, but every orgasm with him was more intense than anything she'd ever felt before.
"I really need to go now," he said frantically, hearing voices in the corridor. "I'll see you again tonight, my love."
He dressed himself again, and making sure the coast was clear, left to go wash before attending to Arthur.
Morgana laid in bed, fully satisfied, and happier than she had ever been. Had she ever really dared to think that this could be her future instead of the tortured one of her dreams? Princess of Camelot, at the side of her beloved brother, a good and just king, permitted to be with the man, the sorcerer, she loves? She thought back to the hurt and torment of her dreams, and shuddered. How different things might have been if she wasn't a seer, if she couldn't change her future.