When Morgana and Merlin returned to the castle from their meeting with Morgause, the King was unavailable. He and Lancelot had left the castle suddenly on a mission, and were not expected to return for at least a day. Merlin was very concerned, particularly with Morgause in the area, and why had Arthur not waited until their return to leave? But Sir Leon assured him they would be safe and the errand was time-sensitive. Morgana huffed with displeasure. With Arthur gone, she was his proxy; all of the work was hers to complete.
She spent a long day in Court to hear local disputes, and had no choice but to suffer the company of Agravaine without her brother as a buffer. He may not be her ally, but he spent just as much time leering at her, perhaps even moreso than in her dream. In her dream, he'd at least had a healthy fear of her powerful magic. While her magic was the open secret at Court, and he was certainly aware of it, Agravaine seemed remarkably unconcerned by it. She would be relieved for him to depart the following week. In the meantime, she had been forced to dine with him at both lunch and supper, his eyes always finding their way to her breasts when they spoke. He didn't dare do such things in Arthur's presence, but when left alone, he clearly felt emboldened.
When Arthur finally returned more than a day later, the council met to discuss Morgause's visit. Preparations had already begun in his absence for her arrival.
"Sire, I have grave security concerns about welcoming this sorceress into Camelot, when we know she wants to see you overthrown," Sir Leon frowned.
"As do I, but I also care not for the alternative," Arthur sighed, looking over at Morgana. She had finally disclosed that Morgause would see him judged by the Triple Goddess. His only chance was to undo his father's legacy of persecution, but he had so far continued to hesitate.
"My sister will honor her role as a guest of Camelot, she would not betray us, at least not in that way," Morgana assured him.
"Your Highness, I know of her reputation abroad, and with all due respect, I don't trust she wouldn't leave something behind, an effort of sabotage," Sir Lancelot said. Morgana looked at him for the first time that day, wondering what trouble he and Arthur had found on their errand that had left its mark upon his face, examining the large bruise across his jaw.
"Then we will ensure she's watched closely," Morgana said, standing up and approaching Lancelot. "I have faith in the Knights of Camelot. May I, Sir Lancelot?"
He gave her a look of confusion and she gestured at his jaw. Finally understanding, he nodded his consent, and she touched his face gingerly while examining him with an appraising eye. With her hand on his face, she muttered silent words and her hand was warm on his cheek. When she took it away, the bruise was only still faintly there and the swelling was reduced considerably.
"Only the smallest break, I think. Shouldn't have caused any trouble, but just in case, no sense in leaving it unmended. That goes for all of you, of course. I am always at the service of the Knights of Camelot," she said, looking around the table as she again took her seat. The other knights murmured in appreciation. How often had they suffered broken bones and wounds that could have been healed so efficiently by their Lady's hand? No more, it would seem.
"As we are to you, My Lady," Lancelot smiled affectionately.
They agreed and adjourned the meeting.
"Princess Morgana," Arthur said, as she rose to leave. "Would you join me in my chambers later for a private lunch?"
"Of course, Sire," she curtsied, then took her leave.
Gwen followed behind her, exchanging a concerned look with Arthur.
"He's worried. Frankly, I am too," Gwen frowned. She stopped talking when Morgana's new ladies' maid walked in to bring fresh linens. They waited for her to finish, then resumed their conversation.
"Morgana, from what you've told me of your dreams of your sister, she's the reason you turned to dark sorcery and the reason for your downfall."
"But the difference is that I was motivated by my hatred for Uther and jealousy of Arthur. I don't feel those things now. I forgave Uther and I love Arthur; he is my brother and my king."
"What if she… turned your heart that way? Is that possible? To use sorcery to change a heart?"
Morgana frowned. "It's possible, but I don't believe that's what happened, at least not originally. And while I've dreamed of her poisoning my mind, I've not dreamed it in a long time."
"Perhaps not. But what if she takes drastic measures to turn you to her side now that you aren't so easily persuaded?"
"What if we turn her to ours? Gwen, she's my sister. I can't give up on her."
"I know. But, Morgana, I couldn't love you any more than if you were my sister. I just want you to be safe."
Morgana smiled and embraced her. "I will, Gwen. I'll be here to celebrate your wedding, when we will truly be sisters."
Gwen laughed. "Still holding out hope? Arthur's barely spoken to me lately, I hardly think he'll be proposing."
"He's been busy. Perhaps I can arrange more excuses for the two of you to spend time together."
"And what of you and Merlin? Something's happened, hasn't it? I catch him staring at you lately, it makes me blush the look on his face. Oh, and now you're blushing. It's true, isn't it?"
Morgana's face was flushed just thinking of her sorcerer. "Oh, Gwen. It's true. You mustn't breathe a word of it though. I'm afraid how Arthur will take the news."
"He is very protective of Merlin," Gwen grinned.
"He'll certainly think I've seduced him. Cast some love spell upon him," she rolled her eyes.
"Well, I for one, am very happy for you both," Gwen said. "Merlin's a good man, you couldn't ask for a better one."
"I agree. I've waited so long…" Morgana said, again recalling her visions, sitting down to tell Gwen all about her new love affair.
. . .
Finally, it was time for Gwen to perform her duties, and Morgana to join her brother.
Merlin served them lunch, while Morgana tried not to pay him too much attention as they ate. Arthur had been rather quiet the entire time, and he looked rather agitated. Finally, she could take it no longer.
"Is everything all right? You don't seem yourself," she asked, concerned.
Arthur sighed deeply, and took a long sip of his wine, motioning to Merlin for another bottle. "Morgana, I wanted to discuss something very important with you. And there's a chance you'll be unhappy about my decision, but after a great deal of consideration, I believe it's truly for the best."
"Of course, Arthur. What is it?" she asked, brows furrowed.
"I have decided you're to marry," Arthur said, looking at her over his goblet of wine.
Merlin dropped the wine bottle he was holding onto the floor, which shattered.
"Merlin!" Arthur scolded. "Do be more careful."
Morgana looked desperately at Merlin cleaning up the glass shards, unable to speak. She finally stammered out the question, "Who… who do you expect you are marrying me off to?"
"Well, considering the raucous Merlin is making over there, I'm guessing he wants it to be him," Arthur answered casually, taking another drink of wine.
Merlin looked up, panicked, from where he was still cleaning the broken glass from the floor. They glanced at one another, eyes wide.
"The question is whether you truly want that as well. Because I can't continue to allow my sister and my manservant to be sneaking around my castle having a go. It won't stay a secret for much longer, considering how many people already know about it. So either you wed Merlin, or I suppose I need to marry you off to someone else to preserve what remains of your maidenly honor."
"You mean it?" Morgana gasped. "You give us your blessing to wed?"
"I'd prefer it as soon as possible before you end up with a litter of illegitimate little Merlins roaming about my castle," Arthur said, rolling his eyes and drinking more wine. He stood up to reach another bottle.
Morgana jumped up from the table to hug her brother before embracing Merlin.
"I told you before, Merlin, you can't hide anything from me," Arthur said, haughtily.
"How did you know?" Merlin asked, his arm around Morgana's waist.
"Did you really think I'd let you meet Morgause without a guard?"
"And that guard ratted us out?" Merlin asked.
"That guard was me. And Lancelot as well," Arthur said flatly. "We waited outside the cave after she left, but you stayed."
Merlin turned pale. "So, you heard…"
"My manservant bedding my sister? Indeed." Arthur practically growled at him. Merlin cringed. "If not for Lancelot intervening, you'd be missing a head right now."
Merlin looked shamefaced.
"But instead we overheard more than just… that. I also heard that my sister wishes to wed my manservant who, turns out, is also a sorcerer," Arthur revealed, a hint of venom to his voice.
Merlin looked pained, facing his betrayal of his king, and his friend. "Arthur, I'm sorry, I should have…"
Arthur held up a hand to stop him. "I know, I know, you would have told me eventually, or so I'm to believe. Turns out Lancelot also knew of your magic. He told me everything. That's why we left. I needed time to process it, and Lancelot insisted I not return until I had, for fear of doing or saying the wrong thing and hurting my sister. Like choking the life from the idiot she's in love with."
Merlin winced.
"And he was right. I can't deny it still hurts a great deal to know you've kept this secret from me, a secret Lancelot already knew, but he helped me understand why, and that I apparently owe you a great debt over these years. I lived my entire life under Uther's view of sorcery, and never knew anything else. But two of the people closest to me are sorcerers, using their magic for good, so how can I continue to prohibit the use of magic?"
Tears streamed down Morgana's face. "You truly mean that?"
Arthur looked at his sister tenderly and wiped the tears off her cheeks. "I mean it, I wrote the edict this morning. Magic is being legalized today."
Morgana gasped and hugged him tightly. "Thank you," she choked down another sob and buried her face in his chest. "You don't know what this means to me. What this will mean for Camelot."
"Merlin," Arthur said, over Morgana's head of dark waves. "If you ever hurt my sister, I will have you executed."
"I will light the pyre myself, Sire," Merlin grinned.
Arthur sighed, "I can't believe my sister is marrying the worst servant in Camelot. Hopefully you'll be better suited for Court duties."
"Merlin will be brilliant as Court Sorcerer," Morgana beamed, looking up at her brother.
"He'd also excel as a Fool," he rolled his eyes. "He'll need a noble title. Duke of somesuch, I suppose. We'll need to consult the Court Historian to find available titles."
"I… don't care about any of it. As long as we can wed," Merlin said. "I love Morgana, her title and position are irrelevant to me."
"I certainly hope not, because marrying her comes with duties to Camelot you'll have to fulfill. Preferably better than how you perform as a servant, which is complete rubbish," Arthur shook his head disapprovingly.
Merlin laughed. "I will serve in any capacity, so long as I can be her husband."
Arthur kissed his sister on the forehead and stepped away from her. He looked at Merlin and sighed.
"Merlin, once I can stand to look at you again without wanting to choke the life from you, which I'll admit wasn't very often in the first place, I do have questions that Lancelot could not answer. In due time, I will seek those answers from you, and I expect complete honesty from now on."
"Of course, Arthur. I will never lie to you again," Merlin said, tears stinging his eyes.
"Despite the fact that you've lied to me all these years and I'm furious with you, I do know the kind of man you are, and the kind of friend you've been. While there were many lies, I know what's true in your heart, or else you'd be in the dungeon right now rather than betrothed to my sister. I can't say I am thrilled about all of this, but," Arthur closed his eyes and sighed again, "If I'm being honest, and if you tell anyone this I'll simply deny it… while I don't feel it at the moment… oh, to hell with it. Merlin, I suppose I will eventually not hate to have you as my brother," Arthur said, begrudgingly.
Merlin hugged him tightly. "Same here, Sire." Arthur groaned, and Morgana laughed at Arthur's discomfort.
"Come, my love, give Arthur some breathing room," Morgana said.
"Yes, go on then. You have a wedding to plan. Might as well make the announcement when your sister arrives. Lots of sorcerers everywhere, what could be better? Oh and Merlin, training awaits in an hour's time. If you're to be a nobleman, I'll expect you to train like one. I won't be holding back," he said with a grin that Merlin took to mean he still had some pent up anger to deal with. Merlin winced at the thought. It was better than getting burned at the stake, he supposed. Morgana rolled her eyes and led him from the room, sending in another servant to clear the table.
Once they were in the empty hallway outside her chambers, Merlin kissed her passionately. "I love you," he said, smiling against her lips.
"And I love you. Come inside, we have an engagement to celebrate," she said, kissing him again.
They were still kissing as she pushed open her chamber doors. Her new ladies' maid gave a squeak at the sight of them.
"It's quite all right, Sefa. We're not acting improperly, we're betrothed," Morgana explained. "But we aren't announcing it until my sister arrives in Camelot. In the meantime, we will have a great deal of arrangements to make for the wedding. Please go to town and schedule a fitting with the dressmaker, but keep everything a secret."
Sefa curtsied. "Yes, Milady."
Gwen entered just as Sefa exited. "What have you two done to poor Sefa? She looks like she's seen a ghost."
"I merely told her to schedule an appointment with the dressmaker to prepare for my wedding," Morgana said nonchalantly. Merlin was flushed and grinning.
"Wedding?" Gwen asked with shock. "Are you two…? Oh, my heavens! I can't believe it!" She hugged Morgana tightly, then Merlin.
"How ever did you convince Arthur?" she asked, dabbing her wet eyes.
"It was his idea, actually," Merlin said with a sheepish grin.
"Apparently we aren't as good at keeping secrets as we thought," Morgana laughed.
"Speaking of which, Gwen," Merlin said, hesitantly. "You know how Morgana has magic, right?"
"Right. I assumed you knew all along, since Gaius did," Gwen said.
"I didn't just know. I helped her learn to wield it."
"How could you do that? Unless you're some kind of… oh," Gwen said, with realization. "You also have magic."
"Yeah, and now Arthur knows that too. He… overheard us," Merlin cringed.
"And he wasn't angry?" Gwen asked.
"Oh, I believe he was quite angry, but fortunately Lancelot was with him and did damage control. Otherwise you'd be planning my funeral instead," Merlin sighed.
"Lancelot is a good friend," Gwen smiled. "So, when is the wedding?"
"As soon as we can make arrangements, so we've got a lot of work to do," Morgana answered.
Gwen looked suddenly very stressed. "Indeed. As your dress is being scheduled, I will start by meeting with the kitchens. Merlin, I will find a manservant to replace your duties with the king. In the meantime, you will also need a new wardrobe, I'll schedule your fitting. We'll work quickly and get this done. Oh, I'm so thrilled for you both."
"Thanks, Gwen," Merlin grinned, as she hugged him and then Morgana.
"I'll leave you two lovebirds alone then," Gwen laughed and closed the door behind her. Morgana locked it with a flick of her wrist.
"I believe we have an engagement to celebrate," she said, using magic to unlace her dress, sliding her gown off her shoulders and let it drop to the floor. Merlin immediately grew hard.
"I can't believe my good fortune, to love you and have you love me in return," he said, burying his face into her hair as he embraced her.
"How could I not love you?" she smiled.
He held her tightly. "You almost didn't. It was your bravery, not mine, that led us here. I would've made a mess of everything. But now, here we are, I've never been happier. I'm marrying the woman I love, and Arthur is bringing magic back to Camelot."
"I am certain the future can only be perfect from here," she said, as he lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bed.