Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.


Chapter 5 – The Moment of Truth


It was indeed a long week as both Arthur and Merlin tried to win the wager they had made. In the end Merlin won though we waived his winnings due to the manner in which they were won. With the threat of Aithusa gone the search for Morgana had commenced once more. Guards and knights were sent to scour all of Britain though with no luck. Near the end of the week that happened to make up their bet Arthur was at his wits end worrying over his sister and had snapped at Merlin quite viciously. Merlin knew Arthur said what he did out of his worry for Morgana and so took no offense. He also knew that technically he had won their bet, but giving it had not been in the good nature in which the bet was made he said nothing and continued on as normal. Still, that evening Arthur ended up bringing Merlin his dinner both as a means to apologise and as payment for the lost bet and Merlin graciously accepted both. After several more days of searching Merlin had a thought and used his power as a Dragonlord for the second time, summoning Aithusa. He sent her to search for Morgana, the dragon being able to cover much more ground at a much faster pace, and being able to see things from the sky as you could not on foot or horseback. Aithusa found Morgana, not with vengeful sorcerers, but with the Saxons. Arthur was enraged that they had not only kidnapped his beloved sister, but that they had blamed his people for it, using those disgruntled sorcerers to their own ends so soon after magic was no longer outlawed. He launched a full-scale attack on the Saxon stronghold, refusing to leave without rescuing Morgana, and taking out as many Saxons as he could. The battle was long and bloody, with casualties on both sides, though Arthur and his men lost far fewer and came out victorious. In large part this had to do with Merlin. He'd refused to allow Arthur to go without him and he'd used his magic to protect Arthur and his Knights. The Saxons had had magic on their side as well, but none could match the great Emrys.

Arthur and Morgana were reunited at the Saxon stronghold, both shedding tears of relief. While Arthur would never consider his sister getting kidnapped a good thing, one good thing did come of it: the Saxon King was no longer ambiguous. For the longest time none of Albion knew who the Saxon King was, or why he waged war on them, but after her sojourn with the Saxons Morgana brought the answers. The Saxons had always been hostile, but it was not until their new King took the throne some five years ago that full out war broke. The new King's name was Mordred and according to Morgana he believed himself to be The True King of all Britain, the King the ancient legends spoke of. The legend dated as far back as anyone could remember, having always been a part of British lore within all nine kingdoms. It spoke of The High King who would one day rise above all others and unite the Britons together as one. It was said that The Sword in The Stone, another part of the legend, would identify The High King, for only The True King of all Britain could remove the sword from the stone it had been stuck in for hundreds of years. Mordred believing himself to be this King of legend seemed to do naught but speak of his insanity, for while all had heard the legend none believed it to be true. Morgana, however, seemed to think that Mordred was not as insane as he appeared. Not because she believed him to be The High King, but because she now believed the legend to be real. Arthur was not so sure, but Merlin corroborated Morgana's theory, believing the legend to be true and promising to look more into.

The following few weeks proved hard on all as Morgana's attitude seemed to change overnight. She was not as bright and open as she used to be but rather appeared secretive and was prone to snap at the servants and even Arthur and Gwen. The King believed it to be merely due to Morgana not having recovered from her ordeal, but Gwen thought differently. Arthur, though far more open minded and forward thinking than other men, still spoke as one who believed females to be the weaker sex, even though he knew Morgana to be no wilting flower. Whatever the reason, neither Arthur nor Gwen could get a straight answer out of her and so decided to give up and wait for her to tell them what was wrong. It helped that both King and Queen were distracted by a discovery they made a few weeks after Morgana's rescue.

"Are you certain?" Arthur asked his wife one night after the two had retired to their chambers. Gwen smiled softly and nodded, greatly pleased with her discovery and it appeared Arthur was too, for at her confirmation he dropped to his knees before her and turned his attention to where their child now grew. Gwen placed her hands gently on his head, running her fingers through his hair as she felt him place a gentle kiss on her belly before looking up at her.

"You are pleased then?" She could not help but ask even after his reaction.

"Oh, sweetheart, pleased does not even begin to describe how I am feeling." He said. "I did not think it would happen this soon though. I mean we have not…for very long…" He left the words unsaid as the topic made them both blush.

"Well it only takes the one time so I'm told." She joked. "When shall we announce it to the people?"

"I don't know." He admitted.

"The midwife says it is early days yet. The only reason I know this early is because as Queen I'm watched like a hawk for signs of an heir and Gaius suspected there might be one. She told me some mothers do not even know they are with child until the babe quickens in their belly."

"Well, perhaps we wait for that then." He decided. "Unless people begin to suspect we shall not announce anything until we are as certain as we can be that everything is alright."

"We need to tell Merlin and Morgana though." Gwen insisted. "Neither will forgive us otherwise."

"True." Arthur agreed. "We shall inform them tomorrow then. Though I'm worried about Merlin. We know Morgana can keep a secret, but Merlin…"

"He did hide his magic from Uther for many years." Gwen pointed out. "Considering it meant his life if Uther even suspected he had magic I'd say he can keep a secret very well."

"Alright so he can keep a secret if his life depends on it. I suppose we will just have to make sure he knows his life does depend on it."

"Arthur!" Gwen scolded when he looked far too pleased at tormenting his friend. "We will do no such thing!"

"You take all the fun out of it, Gwen."

"Why? Because I won't let you torment poor Merlin?"

"Yes!" Gwen merely rolled her eyes and shook her head, turning away as she decided it was time to head to bed. Arthur stopped her however and pulled her back into his arms, his lips claiming hers in a gentle, though loving, kiss.

"I love you, Gwen." He said when he pulled away. "I do hope you know that."

"Of course I do. We have loved each other a long time, you and I."

"No, I mean yes, but what I'm trying to say is that my love is more than it once was. Growing up I loved you, not as a sister, thank god, but as the most important woman in my life aside from Morgana, whom I do love as a sister. But it was merely because you were always there, a part of the family and so in a sense I was mandated to love you. But now…young or not, you are my wife Gwen, and I love you as such." Gwen stared up at her husband seeing a new side of him she'd never seen before. He was never one for flowery words or declaring his love, Uther saw to that, but Gwen knew him well enough to know he was entirely sincere and for whatever reason, whether it was the babe growing inside her belly or he simply felt the need, Arthur had declared his love for her, and she couldn't be happier.

"As I love you, husband. With all my heart." She murmured leaning up for another kiss that he was only too happy to reciprocate. It wasn't long before the kiss turned heated and hands began roaming. "Take me to bed Arthur, please." Gwen panted against him when they grew apart for breath. Without hesitating Arthur swept Gwen into his arms and carried her to their bed.

"The child." He said pulling away from her when she'd successfully removed his clothes. "I do not want to hurt him."

"You won't." Gwen assured him and knowing she would never put their child at risk, Arthur said no more as the two came together.

oo00oo00oo

The following morning Merlin and Morgana found themselves summoned to the royal chambers, both arriving in time to see Arthur steal a kiss from his Queen who sat on his lap as he fed her bits of food from their breakfast.

"Oh god!" Merlin cried, dramatically covering his eyes and turning both him and Morgana away. "Our eyes! Our innocent eyes!"

"Merlin!" Arthur snapped. "That's enough out of you, it's too early in the morning for your antics." Merlin released his hold on Morgana as the two turned back to face their friends.

"What's got you two all lovey dovey this morning?" He chose to ask instead of retorting to Arthur's remark.

"Come, sit. We have news for you both." Gwen said making to stand up though Arthur would not let her. It earned him a glare though it held no real heat to it and she comfortably settled back and made no more moves to rise.

"What is it Gwen?" Morgana asked. "You seem quite pleased about something. You both do." She looked between the two, both monarchs wearing bright smiles.

"Pleased does not even begin to describe how we are feeling right now." Arthur said. "In fact I don't know if there is a word that appropriately describes how we feel."

"I'm not surprised you can't think of the appropriate word, we all know you skipped one too many lessons as a child." Merlin couldn't help but quip.

"Merlin…" Arthur growled warningly.

"Enough, both of you." Gwen said, glaring at the two men. "Can you two not patronize one another for five minutes, please?"

"Sorry Gwen." They recited together as they had many time over the years.

"Well…your news?" Morgana prompted when Gwen's glare didn't abate.

"Right!" Arthur immediately perked up. "We wanted you two to be the first to know. Well, besides Gaius and the midwife that is." He babbled, though Morgana was quick to catch onto his words.

"Midwife?!"

"I'm with child." Gwen said, a bright smile forming on her face. Both Merlin and Morgana cried out in joy and hugged their friends, congratulating them of both, though Morgana's congratulations seemed a bit forced.

"Oh a child!" She gushed. "How wonderful! I shall begin sewing garments for the babe, at once! Congratulations again, both of you. To think in some months we'll have a prince or princess running around the castle!" Morgana made her exit then, leaving behind three very confused people.

"Is it just me, or did that seem…"

"Insincere?" Merlin suggested.

"Yes." Arthur said.

"I wonder what the matter is." Gwen murmured, her eyes following the final swish of Morgana's dress as it rounded the corner out of sight.

oo00oo00oo

Contrary to Arthur and Gwen's plans, the Queen's pregnancy did not stay secret for long. News of the impending arrival of an heir spread like wildfire throughout the castle before making its way to the rest of the kingdom and beyond. Gifts began arriving from prominent families within Camelot as well as well as neighbouring kingdoms' royal families, congratulating the King and Queen and all wishing for a son and prince. It had happened so fast that Arthur and Gwen were only glad that they had not waited to tell their friends and had gotten the chance to inform Merlin and Morgana before the news reached them from another source; though admittedly they were still surprised at their sister's lack of enthusiasm for them. She put on a good show, but both knew her well enough after all these years to know when she was faking, only they could not understand why. Gwen wrote it off as jealousy. Morgana was older than her, unmarried, and childless, though it was not for a lack of suitors. As Uther's ward Morgana's hand was often sought after, but no suitor had appealed to her and Uther, and now Arthur, could not find it in them to force her to marry. Beyond that, the time Gwen spent with Morgana had greatly diminished when she and Arthur had been crowned King and Queen, taking much time away from her best friend, and a child would only increase the amount of time Gwen could not spend with Morgana. So it was with great joy that Gwen accepted Morgana's invitation to go out riding one morning. At Arthur's insistence a small army of guards accompanied them, including two of Arthur's most trusted Knights, Sir Leon and Sir Elyan. Gwen thought this too much, they were after all only riding nearby, on a path they rode frequently, but Arthur would not be swayed. They set out shortly after sunrise and Gwen was happy to note that Morgana seemed in a joyous mood, this was the Morgana she knew and loved.

"I'm glad you suggested this, Morgana." Gwen said smiling at her friend who rode beside her. "It has been far too long since we have had some time just the two of us."

"Yes, and with the little one on the way that time will grow even shorter." Morgana murmured causing Gwen to frown and reach over to grasp her hand.

"I hope you know our child will not alter our love for you, Morgana. You are our sister and dearest friend." Morgana smiled and squeezed Gwen's hand in return. "Besides, I count on you to be a good influence on my child. I shudder to think what will happen if Arthur and Merlin are the only role models." Morgana laughed along side Gwen and she felt for the first time in awhile that everything was all right between the two of them. How wrong she was. Not long after they'd properly entered the forest, were hidden from view from anyone on the main road, did an arrow whizz passed and embed itself into one of the guards not far from Gwen.

"To arms!" Both Sir Leon and Sir Elyan cried together, drawing their swords and moving as a practiced unit to protect The Queen and Lady Morgana. Their move couldn't have come a moment too soon for the second the two ladies were ensconced in the middle of the knights and guards' circle did a band of men reveal themselves, charging through the trees. Gwen looked to Morgana fearfully, glad at least to see that she wasn't as scared as Gwen herself was, though she found it odd that there was no trace of fear within Morgana's eyes at all.

"When I give the word, you and Lady Morgana ride like the wind to the castle, Your Majesty." Sir Leon said, bringing Gwen's attention back to him and the others trying to protect them.

"What about you?" Gwen couldn't help but ask.

"It is our duty to protect you, Your Majesty." Sir Elyan replied as he and Leon awaited the horde of men running towards them on foot.

"But-"

"Normally I would not dare give orders to a queen, but in this I fear I must." Said Leon. "Do as we say, Your Majesty." Gwen looked uncertain but nodded her head in acceptance, knowing it was not just her life at stake, but her child's as well. When their attackers came, the knights and guards did all they could to keep them at bay at least long enough for their Queen to escape.

"Now!" Cried Elyan as he and Sir Leon made a path for the two women. Gwen spurred her horse forwards, sparing a glance back only long enough to see if Morgana followed. Turning back Gwen urged her horse to go faster but it was all in vain. A tree, which only moments before had seemed as sturdy as the old oak it was, came crashing down in their path, blocking their exit. Gwen's horse reared up as it came upon the obstacle far too big for it to jump and Gwen barely held on. When her horse was calmed Gwen turned to look for an alternate route but found none and it was too late. An arm wrapped around Gwen's waist and she cried out as she was pulled from her horse.

"Your Majesty!" Sir Leon yelled from where he was still trying to fend off his attackers.

"Put down your swords, or I'll kill her!" The man holding Gwen called, holding his own sword at her neck. With no other choice, with no one close enough to The Queen to be of any assistance, the remaining guards did as they were instructed.

"Good work." An unfamiliar voice spoke "We now have The Queen of Camelot in our grasp. Arthur will do anything to get her back." Gwen slowly turned her head and was met with the sight of a woman she had never seen before standing tall and triumphant before her. "Bring the others." Leon and the other guards were brought to stand next to her, before all were forced to their knees, along with Morgana, though the unknown woman's reaction to Morgana's treatment was unexpected to say the least.

"Fool!" She cried, raising her hand and sending the bandit flying away from Morgana. "Sister, are you alright?" Gwen could not help the gasp of surprise that escaped her lips as the woman came forward and helped Morgana to her feet.

"Yes, of course I am."

"Good. I could not bear it if you were hurt."

"I am fine, Morgause, truly."

"Morgana? What is going on?" Gwen finally asked. The two women turned their attention to Camelot's Queen, both gaining identical smirks.

"Is it not obvious, Gwen?" Morgana taunted.

"I certainly hope not for the obvious is unbearable."

"Then learn to bear it, for all is as it seems."

"Why would you betray us?" Sir Leon demanded, having known Morgana since he first came to Camelot as a squire many years ago. "You are The King's sister-"

"Arthur is no brother of mine!" Morgana snapped. "At least not in ways that truly matter, though I will not deny we share a father."

"What?" Gwen breathed. "You're-"

"Uther's bastard? Yes." She left it at that. "Mordred!" One of the bandits came forward then and smiled satisfactorily at Morgana and Morgause.

"We should move them, don't want to give our dear Arthur the chance to find them before we are ready."

"Too right you are." Morgause agreed. "Let's move." The prisoners' hands were tied before them and they were led by rope away from road.

"Your Majesty." Sir Leon muttered from beside her, both glad that at least that they had not been separated.

"Why would she betray us?" Gwen whispered. "Morgana has been my truest friend since I came to Camelot as a child, she was my sister in all but blood."

"The whys can wait until later, My Queen. First we must escape."

"I will be of no use to you in that endeavour, Sir Leon. I fear I have neither the physical strength nor the clarity of mind to attempt it."

"We must get you to safety, My Queen."

"We must get word to Arthur is what we must do." Gwen took a deep breath and forced her troubled thoughts to clear enough to think coherently, for now at least. "When a moment presents itself you and Sir Elyan…where's Sir Elyan?" She broke off only now noticing the other Knight was missing.

"He…he is dead, Your Grace." Leon spoke softly.

"He will be honoured upon our return to the castle." Gwen replied after a moment of silence. "Then it is up to you, Sir Leon. When a moment presents itself you must escape and return to the castle."

"I cannot leave you here, Your Majesty."

"You can, and you must. No doubt when we reach wherever we are going we will be separated and I will be more heavily guarded than you. Besides, if that is indeed Mordred then these are no bandits. Arthur must know the Saxons have invaded Camelot. He must also be made aware of Morgana's betrayal." The last part was spoken quietly as Gwen still had trouble believing it herself.

"And you intend to make me the bringer of that particular piece of news." Leon groaned. "I'd rather take on the Saxons myself then tell The King that Morgana has betrayed us."


A/N - Morgause has arrived and with her comes Morgana's betrayal. That was never going to change, Morgana is still gonna be the main villain. More from Morgause and Mordred to come though.