Morgana gave the problem some thought and came to a decision, not bothering to consult her husband she went to see her father. Entering his rooms she smiled at him before saying "I am sorry Uther, I hear my husband made a fool of himself again. He means well but does not always think before he speaks or acts. It will not happen again"

Uther looked at his daughter "Now perhaps you see why Arthur has to be the next ruler." He smirked at her. "You choose the man, against my wishes I might add. You are a good girl, if head strong just make sure your son does better than his father."

"Sire I have been thinking and I think it may be an idea for us to visit Tintagel, it is under my husband's family after all and we haven't been for some time. It will give us a break and allow things to settle. If we leave soon we could get there before the hard weather and stay the winter."

Uther nodded "A wise idea, have works with him whilst you are away, he needs to understand although he has a place on the council I am King and discussions are mine and mine alone." He paused before adding "Leave the boy here, I wish to spend time with him, he is getting older now and it will do him good to get from under his mother's apron strings"

Morgana was not happy "Sire I would like him to get to know Tintagel, after all one day it will be his"

"Not this time! Now I suggest you get yourself sorted and leave before the end of the week, there is a patrol coming back and I will send a guard with you then." He looked at his daughters face "I will not have any further discussion Morgana, the matter is settled"

The idea pleased Uther, by the time the couple were back the new baby would either have been born or not long from date. It would work out perfectly. He wanted Mordred to become closer to Arthur and his spouse, that way he might be less of a problem with the new baby. He hoped the next generation was closer than his own children, it was dangerous for splits in a ruling family. Not only that but Agravaine was annoying him and Morgana needed time to get over her disappointment. Tintagel was a beautiful place and maybe they would decide to stay there. But their son would stay, he didn't want Morgana making plans that involved the boy behind his back.

Morgana left the room and stormed back to her rooms, that was not what she wanted at all. But she could see no way round it. But at least she would get the time she needed to make plans without anyone finding out. Seeking out Mordred she told him what was happening "I want you to write to me weekly, I am not happy leaving you but the King insists. Become close to him and show him what a good man you will be for the people. You may yet be King, after all having children is a risky business and anything can happen. It is your birth right remember that."

Mordred wasn't sure what to think, he had never been away from his parents, but in some ways it excited him. He hated the constant talk of him being King on day. His mother's insistence that it would happen was unsettling for him. He gave her the promises she wanted and then went to find his father and ask him to see his wife.

Morgana started making arrangements to pack and travel. She would leave Sophia behind, for one she wouldn't want to leave her husband, and also Morgana knew the woman was a good spy and had reason to dislike Merlin after losing her rooms to Drea. Yes this might well work out well. Then if anything happened to the babe she would be nowhere near to take the blame…..the prefect alibi.

Agravaine was pleased to be leaving Camelot for a while, he was fed up with being treated with less than what he considered his dues. Not only was he married to the Kings daughter but his sister had been one of the Kings wives. At least in Tintagel he was the top man, it might make his headstrong wife appreciate him more. His marriage wasn't t working out quite how he had imagined it. He love Morgana in his own way as she loved him, but they were both ambitious and ruthless and it wasn't an easy marriage. But at least at Tintagel he would feel like more the man in the relationship, it was his home after all. He wasn't worried about leaving his son behind, the lad was strange, and it sometimes felt like he didn't carry any of either his or Morgana's blood in him. He did love Mordred in his own way but he wished the boy was a bit more driven, more ambitious.

The timing wasn't quite perfect for their journey, much to Morgana's disgust. Three days had passed and they were to leave the next morning when Kilgarrah landed in the clearing. Balinor and Hunith rushed in to see their son. After a visit to their son, who was sleeping they and Gwaine dined with King Uther, Morgana and Agravaine. . Morgana felt uncomfortable as she sensed Balinor watching her. She wondered if his son had spoken to him. She was right not only had Gwaine told his father of his suspicions but so had Kilgarrah. As they talked after the meal Morgana found herself separated with Balinor who spoke to her in a deceptively soft voice but his eyes were as hard as steel.

"My son is right, you do have magic, don't deny it. I will keep your secret for now….but if I find proof you had anything to do with Emrys's fall I will kill you myself…slowly and painfully. You had best hope that Merlin and the babe keep well"

Morgana looked shocked but she kept her voice low and glanced at her father "How dare you threaten me! I wouldn't harm my sister in law! As for magic it is banned in this Kingdom"

Balinor continued as if she hadn't spoken "I know you are leaving for the winter, but believe me, even if you are miles away, I will hold you responsible. The Gangani are not foolish enough to believe a woman is not capable of killing. My magic is strong enough I will know." He threatened.

"I wonder what King Uther would say about your threats and magic?" Morgana told him "How safe would your precious Pure One be of he thought she was tainted with magic? And that you dare to threaten me?"

Balinor gave a sinister smile "Why don't you tell him? It would be an interesting test don't you think?... I will take my leave my lady and allow you to consider your options. Just remember I will have no compunction to kill you if necessary….. That is if my son doesn't beat me to it." He bowed as he left her side and moved back to his wife, leaving a much shaken Princess behind him.

"My dear, we should go back and see if Merlin has awoken yet, if not we can sit by this side" Balinor said in a soft tone that belayed his previous conservation. He turned to Uther "Your leave, I'm sure that you understand." Hunith smiled and followed her husband out of the room. Gwaine went with them and looked long and hard at the Princess as he walked out. Morgana felt a shiver go through her and she wondered if she would be able to find away round this threat.

Merlin was awake, he had woken just after his family had left to go to their meal with King Uther. Arthur stayed and held Merlin's hand. He couldn't face letting Merlin out of his sight. Merlin looked up and smiled as he saw his husband by his side. He was stiff and his bruising was painful but at least his headache had gone. He noticed the dark bags under Arthur's eyes and felt guilty that he had caused them. He gently squeezed the hand in his. "Hi" he crocked his throat dry and scratchy.

Arthur smiled down "Hi, nice to see those lovely blue eyes open. Your parents are here, they have just gone to get something to eat with my father, how are you feeling? Do you want some painkiller?"

"No, I'm just stiff, can you help me sit up please?" Arthur gently placed his arms round the slight form of his husband and lifted him forwards and placed more pillows behind him. Then he held a drink for Merlin to sip at. "That's better" he paused "I'm feeling hungry"

"Good I'll get George or Freya to get us lunch and we will eat together." Arthur went to the door and asked the guard to arrange the food. Going back into the room he smiled at Merlin "That's got to be a good sign. After you have eaten would you like a wash and change into fresh clothing?"

Merlin sniffed himself and pulled a face "Yes I think so, I stink! But I don't think I could walk to a bath let alone get in one."

"No but I can carry you" Arthur said with a grin "I'll even wash you and afterwards I have Gaius's lotion to run into your bruises. But I will lock the door….unless you want your mother walking in on us?"

"You are a prat, but yes I accept, but you won't get anything else I'm too sore!" Merlin's eyes twinkled