Hello everyone! I should be asleep but here I am, 6 hours before my wake up call for another day at work, this is the new chapie, I think it's bigger than the other ones and oh so complicated and full of things so i'll shut up and let you to it...
Enjoy...
Chapter Nine – Enchantments of all Kinds
Morgana had made sure to lock her door as she prepared the small magical amulet for Arthur, she had tried really hard in the middle of the night to sneak in the kitchens, find rosemary, salt and lavender for the amulet that would keep any enchantment of Vivienne's away from Arthur.
She wasn't even sure what she was feeling anymore, all she knew was that she didn't Arthur to be hurt and Morgause to learn a lesson of trying to trap her sister through Cenred and Vivienne…
She finished the amulet just in time as there was a knock on the door. She took the little amulet, kept it in her hand and straightened up her formal Avalonian black dress as she approached and unlocked the door to find Arthur in his own formal uniform she had seen him in a few days ago, when she was arriving at Camelot, now he was wearing his sunglasses as well.
'You look funny with the aviators on,' Morgana laughed as he grinned, looked up and down the corridor and leaned down and gave her a small peck on the lips for good morning.
'My eyes need time to adjust, I overslept and I haven't gotten back to normal yet,' Arthur said as he offered his arm and Morgana grinned, feeling her lips tingling and wrapped her arm around his so he could escort her.
'You couldn't sleep?' she asked and he shook his head.
'I was thinking…. What about you?' He asked and she sighed, truth to be told, she hadn't slept at all, the nightmares of Morgause killing both her and Arthur had her shoved out of her bed and sent down the kitchens to find the needed herbs for the amulet she was about to attach on Arthur's clothes.
'I couldn't sleep either… a few dreams,' she said in a quiet voice and Arthur sighed as he glanced at her but nodded. They kept moving down the corridor on their own, he in his official costume of the armor and the cape and her in her black dress as she was still in mourning over her mother, the medallions of Mora and Avalon pinned on her dress' fabric along the ribbon of silver that was crossed from her right shoulder down to her left hip, her hair up in a bun.
'I wish I could help with the dreams,' Arthur commented lightly and they paused and looked at each other, their arms still connected. Morgana wished he could do something too, she was so tired and worried and confused, she had been on the edge as it was, now she had also to keep Vivienne away from him.
'Hug me, like yesterday,' Morgana commanded in the lightest of commands and he simply obliged, no one could see them there so they felt free to be intimate, his arms wrapped around her back and waist, her own around his waist, his head touching the crown of her head. The previous evening had been amazing with the two of them enjoying each other. They hadn't dared talk about what they were doing or where it was leading, they only wanted to forget the world and spend some time together. Morgana sighed still with the memory in her mind and found the chance to attach the little amulet on Arthur's waist that held the breeches, it would be only for a few hours, then the magic of the amulet would be active for days.
They broke the hug and smiled at each other as Arthur cupped Morgana's face and gave her another peck on the lips before they could start for the throne room of the castle once again.
They kept their arms tangled as they reached the doors, Arthur took off his glasses and blinked at the light of the corridor, making Morgana chuckle softly and him nudging her with his elbow lightly, they grinned as the doors before them opened and they moved inside, the Heir escorting formally the Princess of the Isles. Uther was already on his throne, the room was full of the noble people from around the kingdoms and Morgana felt a kick in her stomach as she glanced at Alvar and Merlin, both sober staring at Arthur and herself respectively… she averted her gaze and looked straight ahead as Arthur led her to the left of the throne where the royal guests stood when they were to welcome another in a kingdom and the Prince moved to the right side of his Father the King.
They all waited only for a few moments more before the trumpets could be head and the doors opened again to reveal a blond young woman with a superior look in her eyes. She moved in Escetia's black and light blue colors down the aisle to the throne where she bowed formally as Uther raised from his throne. Morgana watched as Vivienne glanced at her while bowed, the two ladies' stares crossed and held each other only for a few moments before Uther could welcome the new guest, if he had been cold with Morgana once, he was now cold with Vivienne a hundred times more.
Arthur watched as the pretty duchess moved the aisle to reach the King, he had to admit she was very pretty, not beautiful as Morgana's elegant way, but she was cute, the only thing that indeed averted him was her stiffness and the air of superiority and smugness she held around her. The only thing that made him smile was Morgana's glare at the woman, was she realizing she was glaring? Arthur doubted it but deep down, he loved that Morgana was uncomfortable with Vivienne's presence, maybe she was too worried she would lose his attention, yeah, he'd like to think that was the reason.
'Allow me to introduce my son, Arthur Henry Pendragon,' Uther was saying and Arthur moved closer and held hands with the lady, leaning down and kissing her hand in a warm welcome. 'And of course you know Princess Morgana,' Uther added as Morgana approached and bowed formally to the duchess as she too bowed even slower before the royal princess.
'Vivienne,' Morgana greeted informally as she looked down at the young woman who looked back at her as sternly, yes… she was there for a reason.
'Morgana,' she greeted back as the two women didn't break their eyelock, leaving Arthur and Uther to almost glance at each other in the charged atmosphere.
The official greeting lasted a few more minutes, then there would be a press conference with the formalities that needed to be said and then Arthur as the Prince would take Vivienne for a tour of the palace and the grounds. Morgana tried to fight the butterflies in her stomach for letting Vivienne alone with Arthur… she was worried Vivienne would try something and… she really didn't like leaving her alone with him but she had no other choice.
She had lunch in her chambers, with Guinevere there to accompany her, the servant looked troubled as well.
'Is everything alright, Gwen?' Morgana asked and Gwen smiled and nodded uncomfortably. 'Are you sure?' Morgana pressed and Gwen sighed.
'I shouldn't be troubling you,' Gwen said and Morgana smiled.
'I'm all ears,' she said, she really wanted to get distracted by something.
'It's just a few matters of personal nature… Merlin seems off… lately and I don't know why…' Gwen said and Morgana frowned and let the girl elaborate, as far as Morgana knew, Merlin was with Freya, the girl she had met in the football match.
'The day you arrived, I kissed him…. And I'm sure I caused problems between him and Freya… don't get me wrong but I had been very confused for the past months with my love life and I had kissed him only to see if I felt something strong because there is another man in my life now…' Gwen said and Morgana nodded her head as she could follow. 'You must be thinking I'm a scarlet woman,' Gwen added and Morgana smiled and shook her head.
'We're all allowed to get confused with our hearts, Gwen,' Morgana said and she didn't even want to consider how accurate her words were for herself as well. 'Who is that new man, may I ask?' Morgana wondered and Gwen smiled rather shyly.
'It's Sir Lancelot…' Gwen said and Morgana gave an "awww" sound that made the maid almost hide her face, Morgana gestured for Gwen to sit opposite her to the small table of her chambers and the young servant did so after a moment of hesitation.
'I remember him from the football match… he's very handsome…' Morgana said and Gwen grinned and nodded.
'He's a very sweet man, I know for a long time now and the past months he has been making attempts with flowers and notes but before Freya, Merlin and I were together for a while and with that kiss those days back I wanted to make sure I was fine with Merlin so I could move on, my relationship with him hadn't been nice.' Gwen said and Morgana nodded.
'You couldn't communicate I guess?' Morgana asked, as much as she had tried to like Merlin at the first days she had failed miserably as the young man only glared at her and she didn't know why. Gwen nodded at the Princess' question.
'Merlin is a mysterious man, not bad but mysterious and sometimes I need more than nods and small smiles to make sure I'm not alone in a relationship.' Gwen said and Morgana nodded in understanding.
'So you're going in for Lancelot?' Morgana asked, wanting to change the subject that obviously bothered Gwen, the maid nodded.
'I think so… he asked me out for the Welcoming Ball in the Duchess' honor, tonight.' Gwen said and Morgana raised her eyebrows and gave a big smile.
'Not bad at all…' Morgana said and Gwen smiled 'And of course you're dismissed so you can go and get ready,' Morgana said, making sure the girl would have time to get prepared. Gwen's eyes widened and shook her head.
'No Morgana, I didn't tell you that so you can dismiss me earlier, I will first help you and then I'll go,' the maid said but Morgana smiled sweetly at her.
'I know you didn't, but since I'll be escorted by Alvar,' Morgana started, her heart kicking in her chest as this time Arthur would have to escort Vivienne to the ball since the young duchess hadn't brought someone with her… 'I'll have my servants helping me and I'll be just fine you should go and get ready.' Morgana said and Gwen smiled and thanked Morgana warmly as she rose from her chair, excused herself and left with a huge smile on her face.
The rest of the hours passed by slowly, Morgana got ready in a deep purple dress, for formal occasions she still needed to be in dark colors, she pinned on the medallions of her country, frowning upon them… remembering her sister, she slipped off her bracelet and set it in her jewelry box, put on other accessories and made sure her hair was good, all wavy and beautiful in waves down her back only with pins keeping the sides.
Alvar knocked on the Princess' door and Morgana opened and greeted him as he bowed formally at her grace, he offered his arm like Arthur had done the same morning and they started for the ball room.
'Looks like your sister the Queen sent reinforcements.' Alvar almost whisper and Morgana looked at him before she could make sure the guards of the corridors were far away and out of earshot.
'Looks like my sister does not trust me,' Morgana said bitterly and Alvar shook his head.
'I don't think that's the case, your majesty, she's simply worried, truth to be told you've been sent to a difficult task and this is the first time for you…' Alvar tried but Morgana snapped.
'You mean my first time trying to destroy a family? Yes that's true,' Morgana said and Alvar looked at her for a moment before he could decide to keep his mouth shut. 'Besides, I said I'll get the mission done and that's what I was to do, but Morgause doesn't think she should be even be talking to me.' Morgana added and Alvar this time spoke
'You mean through the bracelet she gave you?' he asked and Morgana wasn't surprised at him knowing, only she didn't know in what she got herself trapped. 'Princess one day you'll be a Queen of a great Isle, maybe your sister is just putting you through a test… your mother had put your sister though similar tests as well… and they proved beneficial as now your sister is the Queen.' Alvar tried and Morgana didn't want to have anyone excusing her sister in these matters.
'My mother never send Morgause to Camelot… like my sister did with me… if she wanted to experiment she should have waited until I was back, one misstep and Uther will have me burnt… Having me accepting to come here and then return and be married to Merrick should be enough proof of my intentions as a queen…' Morgana said in anger and Alvar didn't seem to yield.
'And you're absolutely certain you're still willing to do all these things?' Alvar asked and this time Morgana paused and looked at him with angry eyes, and a small hint of terror. Had he noticed? Did he know? He could have… she had tried to be careful but she could never be sure.
'What is that supposed to mean, ambassador? Am I under some kind of observation and you're reporting to my sister?' Morgana demanded to know and Alvar this time looked at her as angrily, surprising her.
'Maybe you are, your majesty… by your sister's commands I'm here to help you with your mission but so far it seems as if you're only enjoying your time with the young Heir… who let me remind you is supposed to be lured to the truth so he can turn against his father as the prophesy says…' Alvar said and Morgana was simply shocked and speechless at his words, so he was watching and he was reporting to Morgause… she felt her heart being squeezed in her chest.
The two moved to the ball room without exchanging one more word with each other, Morgana was furious as she approached the large table of the drinks and poured some red wine in a glass and took it down in two big gulps.
'Why angry, your Majesty?' Uther's voice chilled her blood as she poured more wine in her glass as to buy some time to put her poker face on.
'Just tired, my Lord,' Morgana said as she turned and looked at the tyrant who had started the Purge of her kind, he was in his formal uniform and smiled at her –rather ingeniously- as he waved for a drink and a servant brought him a scotch that he gulped down quickly.
'It must be exhausting,' Uther commented and Morgana felt her heart in pain.
'What exactly?' she asked and he looked at her in the eyes, the cold blue unmolding in her emerald green.
'You know… spending time with my son… getting to know him…' Uther tried and Morgana knew he tried to make her feel intimidated.
'Your son is very easy to learn, my Lord, very sweet and open…' Morgana said and Uther did his best not to frown.
'Arthur's always kind with people around him, he's very naïve,' Uther said and Morgan smirked this time, knowing where to hit.
'I doubt it but I'm sure he wouldn't be that… naïve if he knew some things… things well hidden in lies… sometimes a tree can be so strong and beautiful because it can't look at the rotten roots…' Morgana said and this time Uther frowned deeply at her, she could see the fear in his eyes. They didn't have time to say something more as the trumpets were heard and Arthur and the Duchess showed up in the ball room that welcomed them. Arthur smiled at the corner Uther and Morgana were and both royals knew he addressed his smile at the young Princess who smiled back and raised her glass in a welcoming gesture while Uther moved away with a huff.
There was the first dance and to Morgana's utter surprise, Merlin approached her and offered his hand.
'May I have the honor, your majesty?' Merlin asked and Morgana looked at him, first Arthur, then Vivienne, then Alvar and Uther… now Merlin… this ball was awful so far and she felt jealous of Gwen a few feet away, having fun with Sir Lancelot… oblivious to everything. Morgana also glanced at Arthur who had to share the first dance with the royal guest and he was already dancing with Gwen, the raven haired witch tried to push down the scalding jealousy in her veins and finally gave her hand to Merlin who took her to the dancefloor.
'Have I offended you in some way? Morgana asked after Merlin and she started dancing, the young man shook his head but looked at her sternly. 'Then can I know why you're glaring daggers at me every time you see me?' Morgana asked rather daringly and Merlin kept looking at her.
'Your Majesty… do you know of the prophesies around your name?' Merlin asked and Morgana looked at him in utter shock, not many people knew of the prophesy she knew about… talking of Camelot and Avalon's blood.
'You mean the one about the Le Fays and Camelot?' Morgana asked seriously and Merlin nodded as they kept dancing.
'And the one of one of the Lefays and a great king bringing to the world the son that is to unite the realm.' Merlin said and Morgana paused her dance and looked at Merlin in wonder, she had no idea of such prophesy, Morgause had not been clear about it… as usual.
'How do you know about them? And how I know you're not lying?' Morgana asked as they were the only pair who wasn't dancing in the dance floor, Merlin looked deep in her eyes. 'You're of Magic…' Morgana whispered and only then Merlin looked panicked.
'Are you here as to kill Arthur or Uther?' Merlin asked boldly, he had decided that Arthur's life was to be saved before things got out of hand no matter the cost, for some reason the princess was hesitant for the past days but he wouldn't waste more time.
'If you dare say a word, I'll expose you,' Morgana threatened in the best defense's way she knew.
'And I'll do the same with you and the prophesies…' Merlin threatened back and Morgana glared at him.
'I will just be banished from here… your head will end up on a spike.' Morgana threatened once again and Merlin this time looked at her seriously.
'The penalty for treason in Camelot is death, your Grace… and you're in Camelot's grounds… if Uther wishes to kill you, he will do it and won't mind your sister because he knows, if she declares war for your death, the realm will be drowned in blood…' Merlin said and Morgana wanted to holler and tell Merlin that Avalon and Mora were already close to Escetia and Mercia but she couldn't expose even more… she was already far too trapped in everyone's webs. And even if they got to that point, Morgana again would be dead from Uther's hand…
'I don't mean to harm the prince,' Morgana finally admitted and Merlin looked at her in disbelief. 'I don't care if you believe me or not but I don't mean to hurt him,' Morgana said and before Merlin could say something everyone started clapping as the first dances were over and everyone was moving close to the tables. Morgana did the same, her heart racing, everyone seemed to know what she was doing from both sides and she didn't know how she'd escape, what she knew was that she needed to speak to Arthur, to tell him what? She wasn't sure.
Uther sat on the large chair of the king, Arthur sat by the right side and by the left Morgana was seated while Vivienne sat next to her. Morgana gave a sigh as she could only see follies in that room, Merlin, Alvar, Vivienne, Uther… the only person that felt friendly and warm was Arthur… what an irony…
The tables were creating a square and in the middle an entertainer sent from Escetia moved in the middle and started making tricks to entrain everyone. Morgana couldn't even set a happy face for the press that took pictures for the newspapers of the next day. Her mind was racing, what was she supposed to do with all these people around her? Merlin wanted to give her in to Arthur, aware of the entire truth or not, Merlin needed to be stopped and the only way she had was by exposing him… then there was Alvar and his pressure, Morgause's hand in all this… Vivienne… another spy that now she had to protect herself from and Uther of course who would have her head indeed as the break of the Embargo spoke of her coming to Camelot in peace and all she had been doing was plotting the treason she didn't want to finish.
As her eyes were lost, staring at the entertainer who now had approached Arthur, she noticed that with a swift motion, the man cut magically a small lock of the Prince's hair. Morgana's eyes widened but she tried to mask her shock, he was trying to enchant him or take some part of his hair for an enchantment. The man then moved close to Vivienne and performed a trick that made small butterflies show up around the duchess. The moment the tricks were done Morgana tied to pretend she was eating and then waited patiently for the dinner to be over, the moment everyone stood up to keep with the dances, Morgana gripped Vivienne's hand and almost dragged her away.
'What do you think you're doing?' Morgana asked and Vivienne looked at her with angry eyes.
'What you should have done days ago…' the blond replied and Morgana moved with speed and took from Vivienne's hand the lock from Arthur's hair.
'I'll deal with my own business.' Morgana said and Vivienne smirked.
'What your sister would say if I told her you're not only stopping me from finishing the mission you can't finish but you have also made an amulet to protect the bastard Heir…' Vivienne wondered in a stern voice.
'What your hand would say if I broke it in three places?' Morgana wondered back. 'Keep your nose out of my business and stay out of my path, Vivienne.' Morgana commanded and stormed away, only to stumble upon Arthur himself in the next corner.
'Woah, sorry I was about to visit you in your chambers, you seemed rather lost during the celebration.' Arthur said as he held Morgana's forearms, Morgana made sure she held her fist closed so the prince couldn't see the lock of his hair in it.
'I need to talk to you, Arthur.' Morgana said seriously. Maybe she was mad for doing this but in the past days, she had been happy close to him and for the past hours she was close to admit some things to herself that concerned the Prince. In love or not with him, all she knew was that she didn't want to have his blood on her hands.
She would tell him the truth, it wasn't as if both of them were unaware of the possible plans of Uther and Morgause's, she needed to explain to him but in her try to do that and save herself and his life, she would have to reveal the truth about Uther, she would achieve the goal Morgause wanted her to achieve yet she resented so much herself.
'Morgana… before you say anything… I want to tell you something too,' Arthur said seriously and Morgana felt her heart kicking in her chest. He had been thinking about his feelings the entire night and he needed to tell her.
'I… I've never felt like this for a woman,' Arthur started and Morgana felt her eyes burning with tears, not now, not like this. 'And I know it might sound crazy because we know each other only for a few days but I wanted you to know that the kisses… and yesterday's picnic and all the time I have spent with you.. Is the most well spent time of my life…' Arthur went on and Morgana felt like collapsing, how was she supposed to tell him the truth about all the things she knew and had done or rather was sent to do. 'And I swear this is not some trick of my father's, we both know there are things… expectations from our sovereigns… but I think I'm in love with you…' Arthur finally added and Morgana this time couldn't stop herself, the pressure and the guilt of the previous days, the new feelings… the terror of returning either victorious as to marry Merrick or as a loser and face her sister… The first sob escaped from her lips with such force that knocked the breath out of her lungs.
'I need to talk to you… before… before things get out of hand, I need to…' Morgana tried through her sobs as Arthur gathered her in his arms and held her there. He wasn't stupid, he had seen Merlin talking to her, and Uther had been more than hostile that night, like Vivienne from the moment she arrived. Uther believed the duchess was sent to spy on Morgana but Arthur had a feeling that the blond was sent there as to pressure Morgana in other ways, he wasn't so sure of the lack of trust between the Isles and Escetia and he was about to be confirmed within the next seconds as he saw Merlin rushing close to him and Morgana in the corridor.
'Arthur…' Merlin said in a gasp as he stopped before the two royals, Morgana tried to move away from Arthur's arms and she dared look at Merlin who glared at her as he tried to catch his breath, obviously he wasn't convinced of her words earlier…
'What is it, Merlin?' Arthur asked still a bit annoyed at his friend from the other day after his meeting with his father.
'Queen Morgause… the Palace of Avalon just announced the Queen's marriage to King Cenred of Escetia. Your father is furious and sends the duchess away, he resumes the Embargo and Avalon has recalled Princess Morgana but there are chances of your father not allowing her to return to her sister.' Merlin said and both Arthur and Morgana looked at the young man in terror.
Morgana knew she was close to the death penalty by then, she had played the game set for her and as it seemed, she had lost.
wowowowow that was a full chapie wasn't it? poor Morgana seems like EVERYONE is upon her, knowing more or less why she's there, of course Alvar would be following the Queen's orders and Merlin decided to expose himself as to save Arthur from Morgana when our poor thing doesn't even want to hurt him anymore...
what u think guys? this is quiet the situation huh? please review and give me motivation to keep updating through my daily life that now includes a job therefore a full schedule
thank you for reading please review