Merlin woke up to the sound of Morgana screaming.

"Morgana! Wake up!" he said, gripping her tightly as she thrashed. She opened her eyes and they lit up gold. Her magic threw him off the bed.

"Ow," he said, as he slumped on the floor. Aithusa awoke with an angry squawk as he jostled her small featherbed with his fall.

"Merlin! I'm so sorry!" she said, realizing what she had done. "Are you hurt?"

"I wasn't expecting that," he said, staring up at the ceiling.

"Oh, my love, I'm so sorry," she said, kneeling next to him on the floor and examining him for any injuries.

"I'm guessing that was a vision?" Merlin said, pulling himself up when she'd finished.

She sighed, hugging herself to quell her shaking. "Nothing in the immediate future at least."

"Tell me," he said, gently.

She closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. "Morgause stabs me and I die on the battlefield."

"Oh Morgana," he said, pulling her to him.

"I don't know that I can change that future so easily as I did the original," she frowned. "Maybe no matter what, I'm supposed to die on that field."

"Then don't step foot onto that field," Merlin said firmly, pulling away to look at her. "Morgana, I won't ask much of you as your husband, but I will ask this of you. I'll ask that you don't fight on that battlefield. The easiest way of not dying there is to not go there in the first place."

"It won't be that simple," she said softly. "Just as you are, I'm sworn to protect my king."

"You die protecting Arthur," he exhaled.

"And before you say it, you can't just take my place. Let's be honest, if in my dream, you aren't by his side, something is already amiss," she said, pointedly.

He ran a hand over his face in frustration. "Is it Mordred? Is he going to betray Arthur? Will he kill Arthur?"

"Merlin, no! We've been over this," she said with a scowl.

"Kilgharrah said…"

"That damned old dragon said the same thing about me though, didn't he?" she snapped. She let out another slow breath before she continued. "I just don't understand how you can't trust Mordred. He's proven himself a loyal ally."

"For now. He was a loyal ally to Arthur in your original vision too, until he wasn't," he said, with venom in his voice.

"Yes. Because of me!" she said, then sighed. "And because of Kara. But I've changed that. Kara was the linchpin. Finding her, changing her fate, it's changed Mordred's. It's changing Arthur's. I hope, at least. Because war is coming to Camelot, and I don't think we can stop it. We just need to prepare for it."

"The sides may change, but the war itself remains the same," Merlin sighed, repeating the Druid leader's sentiment.

Morgana nodded, and took his hands in hers. "Come, my love, let's dress and break our fast. We'll worry of this another time."

. . .

Morgana stood with Gwen watching Arthur train with the knights, a group which now included Mordred. Mordred sparred with Iain, while Merlin sparred with Lancelot.

"Merlin seems to have found his stride, I've never seen him so sure-footed. Is he using magic?"

Morgana shook her head. "He's propelled by fear."

She explained her dream and what had happened that morning.

Gwen frowned. "Do you have any idea when this war is coming?"

"Not for a while, at least. There's a wedding band on my finger, so it's after we've wed. On Arthur's too."

Gwen nodded. "So we have time to prepare. Who's the enemy?"

"Beyond my sister? I think the Saxons. Cenred. Odin. Sarrum. Helios. Alined."

"Together?" she gasped. "How is that even possible she could unite them? That's a formidable army with their numbers combined. Do we have allies?"

"Very few. Godwyn. Bayard. Caerleon. Rodor," Morgana listed. "Some Druid soldiers."

Gwen looked stunned. "That isn't enough."

"No," she agreed, grimly.

"That means we need to bring some of Morgause's allies to our side. Possibilities of turning any of them?"

"Odin, obviously not. Cenred's in love with my sister, although she has no affection for him. The Sarrum hates magic, and I would sooner see him dead than ally with him. Frankly, I don't know how she would obtain an alliance at all. Helios and Alined can't be trusted, but could prove useful. The wild card here is Agravaine. If I can keep his alliance, I believe he can deliver more allies."

"But he hates Arthur, it's why you wanted him sent away in the first place."

"He doesn't hate me though," Morgana countered.

"Has that changed since you're marrying Merlin? You know how he looks at you," Gwen said, her distaste apparent.

Morgana frowned. "Possibly."

"I received a letter from Elyan. They're returning just in time for your wedding, and they'll be traveling with our new allies, including Princess Mithian."

"Let's extend the wedding invitations to our prospective allies. Perhaps we can win them over after all. And perhaps I can still win over Agravaine. I fear I haven't any other choice but to succeed in that."

. . .

"Perhaps you could join us tomorrow on the hunt, Lord Balinor?" Arthur suggested, gesturing to his manservant George for a refill on his wine.

"I would be delighted, Sire," Balinor answered, accepting a refill as well. "Merlin, will you be coming?"

"No, Father, I'm afraid I will be training," Merlin said, scowling at George as he didn't refill his cup but walked away instead.

"I have to say, Merlin, you actually weren't terrible today. You even got a few hits on Lancelot, which is impressive. Perhaps you aren't hopeless after all. Are you sure you weren't using magic?" Arthur asked, accepting another helping of potatoes.

"Of course not. You've forbidden me from using magic during training, remember?" Merlin said, wiping his mouth on the napkin.

"And when have you ever followed my orders?" Arthur gave a wry grin. "Mordred trained well today, I think."

"He did," Morgana agreed, feeding the rest of her meat to Aithusa, who was gobbling it noisily. "I think he and Iain are both ready, don't you agree?"

"You are probably right, but no need to rush it. I want to be certain they are both ready for the challenges of knighthood," Arthur said.

"Very wise, Sire," Merlin agreed. Morgana shot him a look.

"I beg your pardon, Sire, but there is a woman at the gate asking for Lord Merlin," a guard said, entering the dining hall.

Morgana raised her eyebrows, questioning teasingly.

"Did she give her name?" Merlin asked.

"Hunith, My Lord," he said.

"Mother's here early!" Merlin said, leaving the table and rushing out. Morgana caught Balinor's eye, who looked suddenly uncomfortable.

Surely this will be a happy reunion, My Lord? she asked him.

Although I have missed her as though I have missed part of my very soul, I fear she will not be pleased to see me, my dear, he replied.

She gave him a sympathetic smile and a squeeze of his hand. She handed Aithusa to him so the hungry little dragon could finish her meal, before joining Merlin to greet his mother.

. . .

"Mother!" Merlin said, hugging her tightly.

"Let me look at you," she pulled away. "Such finery. You look like a proper Lord."

"Doesn't he though?" Morgana smiled. "We're so relieved you've made the journey safely. We didn't expect you for at least another fortnight."

Hunith hugged her. "I simply couldn't wait any longer to come. I was overjoyed to learn that you will be my daughter. If I could have chosen any woman in the world for my dear son, it would have been you."

"Thank you. I am honored you approve," she said sincerely. "There is no better man than the one you raised, Mother Hunith."

"We've already eaten supper, Mother, but you must be famished and exhausted. We'll show you to your room," Merlin said, assisting her with her belongings.

Morgana found her new handmaiden, Eilidh, and had her arrange for a hot bath and a meal.

"Mother, there's something you should know. We have some exciting news," Merlin said, practically trembling with excitement.

Morgana tried not to cringe, knowing what was coming.

The color left Hunith's face, as she looked from Merlin to Morgana's abdomen. "Merlin, you didn't! Is that why you're…"

"What?" Merlin asked, confused.

Morgana laughed. "No, I'm not, I assure you. Not yet, but hopefully soon enough."

Hunith sighed with relief. "Well, as much of a blessing that will be, I would hate to know my son ruined a lady's reputation."

Merlin flushed red, realizing what she had assumed. "No, Mother! The news is that Father is here!"

Hunith looked stunned. "Your Father?"

"Yes! Balinor! He's here!"

"He's not dead?" she said, incredulous.

"When I freed the Great Dragon, he went to him, to tell him it was safe to return to Camelot."

She looked enraged. "That bastard."

Merlin looked confused.

Hunith flushed red with anger. "He's been out there all this time with nary a word? I thought he must be dead!"

"I'm sure he was just protecting you," Merlin said. Morgana shook her head slightly. Merlin, she warned.

"Protecting me? He said once he got somewhere safe, he would send for me. I never heard from him again!" Hunith's eyes filled with tears. Morgana took her hand.

"What he did was wrong," Morgana said. "He hurt you, even if it was to protect you. And unknowingly, protecting Merlin."

Merlin looked like he was going to speak again, and Morgana shot him a look.

"He left Ealdor before he even knew I was pregnant, leaving in the middle of the night, because there was word Uther's men were coming for him. I begged to go with him, but he wouldn't allow it. He said it was too dangerous. He promised that when it was safe, he would send for me, and I would join him. I didn't hear from him, and I had no way of telling him you even existed. Even so, I hadn't given up hope, that we would join him, leave Ealdor, be a family. But word never came, so I believed him dead. Why else wouldn't he have sent for me?" she said, furiously wiping the tears from her face.

"I can only imagine how you must have felt. To believe the man you love, the father of your child, is dead. And now, to know that he's still alive, but never returned to you. You don't have to see him, at least not right away, if you don't want to. He's going on the hunt tomorrow with Arthur, so he'll be gone," Morgana said.

Hunith nodded.

"This is a lot to process, I know. I feel terrible. We should have told you before you made the journey. He's only just arrived a few weeks ago, and, well, I had some family difficulties myself recently," Morgana sighed.

"Oh no, dear, it certainly isn't your fault," Hunith said, squeezing her hand. "You couldn't have known the history. And I never told you the truth, Merlin, or at least what I thought was the truth."

"You told me enough of the truth, that he had died, which is what you believed. I'm sorry, Mother. I didn't realize having him here would cause you pain. I'll send him away, if you prefer," he said, kneeling before her.

She gave him a teary smile and ran her hand across his forehead. "No, certainly not! You finally have your father, and you deserve that, after all this time. And perhaps, in time, instead of resentment, I will feel joy that Balinor is alive after all."

"If it helps, Lord Balinor wants to see you. He never wed, just as you never did. He still loves you," Morgana said.

She shook her head as though she could rid them of such thoughts. "Lord? When your father ordered Balinor's arrest and execution, his land was seized and title forfeited. He isn't Lord of anything."

Morgana squeezed her hand. "Arthur has restored his land and title. Lord Balinor will live quite comfortably."

"As will you, Mother. Whether you go with him, or you live here with us."

"Or at Tintagel Castle, if you prefer," Morgana offered. "It's a lovely castle by the sea, where I was raised. It's where we will eventually raise your grandchildren."

Hunith smiled dreamily at the idea of grandchildren, then shook herself thinking about castles and finery. "What do I know about being around proper folk? It's just all so overwhelming. I've lived my life as a peasant."

"Now you're Mother to the Duke of Cornwall."

"And mother-in-law to the Princess of Camelot," Morgana smiled.

"And you could be the Lady of Glencoe," Merlin said, hopefully.

"Wife of a scoundrel? I should think not. But I am blessed, indeed," she said, touching Merlin's cheek. "I don't know if I can forgive your father, but for your sake, I will be cordial."

"Mother Hunith, your journey was long. We will let you rest. My handmaiden Eilidh will be in shortly to bring your supper and prepare your bath if you so desire. Please let me know if there is anything further we can provide for your comfort," she said, rising.

"Thank you, my dear," Hunith said, embracing them both. Merlin held the door as Eilidh brought in the supper tray.

"You knew this wouldn't be a happy reunion, didn't you?" Merlin frowned, as he closed the door behind him.

"Indeed. Your father's reaction to news of her arrival was telling," Morgana said, slipping her hand in his arm. "He knows what he's done. It will be up to him to make it right."

"Now that my mother is here, I suppose, um," Merlin said, looking at her door with a defeated expression.

"Yes, I suppose it won't do for your mother to catch us sharing sleeping quarters, despite the King's tolerance for my overnight guest," Morgana grinned. "I guess we'll be back to sneaking around."

"Well, we did a rather terrible job of that, now didn't we?" he laughed, pulling her close and kissing her.

"Mmm, well, I believe your mother is currently occupied with her supper and bath…" she said, opening her door, and pulling him into her quarters.

. . .

The next morning, Arthur and Balinor left before dawn, and Merlin spent the morning in the training yard with the knights. Hunith spent the morning with Gaius, while Morgana and Gwen heard another exhausting day of cattle disputes in Court. To give Gaius and Hunith privacy, Kara joined them in Court, and quickly realized being a royal could be quite terrible.

"That was dreadfully boring," Kara lamented as they sat down for lunch. "Is it always so bad?"

"Not always, but often enough that it makes me miss being a lady's maid," Gwen laughed.

Morgana laughed as well. "At least there will be four of us now to handle royal duties. If the men ever stop running off on adventures."

"Where is Merlin anyway?" Gwen asked. "I thought he and his mother would join us for lunch?"

"He probably needed to bathe first, and I did ask Eilidh to fit Hunith for new gowns. They should be here shortly," Morgana said. "Aithusa is with Merlin, and I'm sure she's starving by now. She won't let him dally."

At that, the little dragon soared into the room, and took her seat at the table, next to Morgana.

"Ah, there is my beautiful darling now," Morgana cooed, scratching her head. "Are you ready for your dinner, my sweet girl?"

Aithusa gave a squeaky little roar and bounced happily.

The servants brought out raw meat for the hungry dragon, which she gobbled up greedily.

Merlin soon walked in, his mother on his arm. She was dressed in a new gown, newly-fitted by Morgana's handmaiden.

"Mother Hunith, you look splendid," Morgana said, standing up to greet her. "You remember Gwen, of course, she is now my lady-in-waiting. This is Kara, she is my ward. And this darling girl is Aithusa, the prettiest girl in all of Camelot."

"Good afternoon, ladies," Merlin said, pushing in his mother's chair and taking his seat beside Aithusa. "I see I have been replaced by a dragon, who gets her own chair now?"

"Yes, she has unfortunately outgrown my lap. She needs her own seat at the table," Morgana said, scratching Aithusa on the head.

"Arthur will be delighted," Merlin smiled.

"I know," Morgana said, clearly pleased with herself, as they began to eat their lunch.

. . .

Morgana kept Hunith busy that afternoon by involving her with the wedding planning, an opportunity for them to bond. They were in her room when they heard the announcement that the King had returned. Hunith paled.

"You don't have to dine with us tonight if you wish. Perhaps you would rather have a private reunion with Lord Balinor, sort things out between you first?"

"Yes, I do believe I would rather. I don't wish to cause tension. Merlin is so happy, marrying you, being accepted for his magic, and he finally has his father. Things should remain celebratory, not have a dark cloud hanging over it. I will make my peace with Balinor and lay any animosity to rest for Merlin's sake," she said determinedly.

"That is most gracious of you, Mother Hunith," Morgana said, embracing her. "I will arrange for Lord Balinor to meet you in your chambers this evening for a private supper."

Eilidh knocked and entered carrying a gown, bobbing a curtsy. "Milady, the alterations on Mistress Hunith's gown is complete."

"Thank you, Eilidh. Would you be so kind as to take Mistress Hunith to her chambers and dress her for supper?"

"Yes, Milady," she said, and Hunith followed her out.

. . .

"So, they're dining together?" Merlin asked, wide-eyed. "Is that wise?"

"They need to sort out their differences," Morgana said, fork-feeding Aithusa a piece of mutton. Arthur rolled his eyes and dropped his head into his left hand with a groan. "What? You don't agree, Arthur?"

He scowled. "I agree about Balinor and Hunith. What I don't agree with is that damned drag…"

"Arthur," Gwen warned.

"Forks! A ridiculous utensil in the first place, and now it's being used to, ow!" he said, as Gwen kicked him under the table. He grumbled, taking a long drink of wine.

Mordred entered the room, giving a quick bow. "Sire, I was asked to report. Lord Balinor and Mistress Hunith…"

Merlin paled. "Oh no."

"There's a lot of yelling. And throwing things," he said. "The guards checked on them and there were no injuries, but seemed to be a lot of broken pottery."

"There is nothing in those chambers that can't be replaced," Morgana said with a wry grin. "Let them work through their anger, they'll be better off for it."

"Yes, Milady," he said. He gave Kara a shy smile and took his leave.

"Are you still sure that's wise?" Merlin asked.

"Trust me," Morgana said. "They need to get on the other side of the anger, and then maybe with time, your mother will be glad he is alive."

"I hope so," Merlin said, frowning.

"It's a marvelous thing, for you to have both your parents, Merlin," Arthur said. "Even if one currently hates the other, at least you have them both in your life."

Merlin nodded, with a sad smile. He was the only person at the table who even had one of his parents, let alone both. Arthur never knew his mother and he and Morgana had lost their father. Morgana couldn't remember her mother, and lost the man she believed to be her family. Gwen's mother died when she was young, and of course Uther had killed her father, as well as both of Kara's parents. Yes, he was lucky indeed.

After supper, he escorted Morgana to her chambers. They walked passed his mother's chambers, where they could still hear the echoes of their argument. The guards had back a respectful distance away so as to not be able to hear their words, and Merlin and Morgana stayed away as well.

"It will be okay, my love," she said. "I'm sure with time, she will grow to forgive him."

Merlin nodded, and kissed her goodnight, to return to his chambers for the evening.

Morgana spent the evening writing more letters to potential allies, in hopes that when the time came, they would be better prepared to face their enemies.

. . .

"Milady, please," Sefa begged. "I'll do anything."

Gwen stared at the girl icily. She couldn't deny she felt a small amount of pity for her, having been in the dungeon for weeks. The wards put up by Morgana and Merlin were impenetrable, but her father had not even attempted a rescue, likely knowing it was a trap.

"Your father has abandoned you. Your Order has abandoned you," she said.

The girl nodded, her eyes filled with tears.

"You're finally set to be executed in three days' time. The King has so ordered it. However, I may be able to convince him to stay your execution if you help me infiltrate the Order."

"But my father… I won't bring harm to him. You can't possibly ask me to…"

"No harm will come to your father, at least not on purpose. But I do guarantee that if you betray us, you will die a traitor to Camelot, and your death will be a painful one. All we want is to stop the war from coming. We want to stop the bloodshed of innocents."

Sefa nodded. "We, Milady?"

Merlin stepped out of the shadows. "I need your help to save my wife."