Wow, I didn't expect such an intense reaction to Merlin's final words. I think it's partially true though. He sees the situation as just magic so he responded truthfully. We all know different…

This is the shortest chapter I've written but I wanted to give you something to read while I craft the next scene. Whatever will Morgana do to gain Merlin's attention in the Great Hall? Oh, I've got something naughty in mind.

Chapter 9

She was hurt. And she was sad. But as the day wore on she became angry. By the time Gwen returned to dress her for dinner, she was nearly livid. Nothing between them? A mistake?

It didn't feel like a mistake. She knew she should feel a tinge of guilt or some feeling of shame. But she felt none of that. All she felt was this intoxicating need to be near him.

Gwen asked, "Are you sure you want to go down to dinner? You've had a rather exciting day. We could stay here, I could bring up a tray for you and we could talk."

Ah, so that was the plan she and Merlin had missed.

"Thank you, Gwen, but I'm feeling fine. And I've been here most of the afternoon, it's high time that I left my chambers," she replied coolly. She knew what Gwen as trying to do. But dinner was in the hall and Merlin had to be there.

"But you could still need your rest, maybe it's best if you don't push it…" said Gwen

"I'm perfectly fine, Gwen. It's sweet of you to worry, but nothing will keep me from dinner," she said.

Gwen apparently heard the determination in Morgana's voice because she dropped the subject. "What gown will you be wearing?" she said.

"The maroon one without sleeves," Morgana said, smiling. Merlin thought himself indifferent to her? Let's see how well he handled her most scandalous gown.

He might not know this, but she remembered the first time she saw him. It was in the same setting and she was wearing the same gown. Newcomers were frequent to Camelot and servants were supposed to be above her notice. But as she boldly walked in, both pleased and uncomfortable with the attention, she had noticed the young man with big ears and blue eyes. And when he had looked at her, met her gaze, something passed between them. He hadn't looked at her with lust or even frank male appreciate (that was there, too), rather it was like he could see her soul. See all the bad and all the good she had done. But more than that, it was like he recognized something in her that was like him. For the first time since her father's death she felt truly happy. Special. Beautiful. One look and he had pierced a part of her no one else had. At the time it was…unnerving. She had looked away briskly, intent on not letting him know the effect he had. But she had felt his eyes follow her, the back of her neck tingled with his lingering gaze.

He hadn't looked at her that way since.. But she knew there was something guarded about him. And if she was honest with herself, she was terrified of what he had seen. And yet desperate to have him look at her the same way.

Well, tonight might be the night.

Gwen helped her into the gown and the delicate evening slippers that matched. It really was a bold choice. While her bosom wasn't visible like her other gowns, there was something positively sensual about the exposed skin of her arms and back.

Morgana instructed Gwen to leave her hair down and loose with the suggestion that it look "like I just tumbled out of bed". Gwen gave her a disapproving look but pulled back the front sections, twisted, then fastened them with a pretty barrette. After a touch of perfume, Morgana turned to check herself in the mirror. While not one to be vain, she had to admit she looked…pretty good. Her skin, white as a ghost, glowed beautifully with the gown. Her cheeks and lips had a becoming and healthy flush. She looked…pretty hot.

Standing behind her in the mirror, Gwen's disapproval was pointedly obvious (she wasn't trying to hide it anymore) "Are you sure about this, my lady? It can be rather drafty in the castle, maybe you'd be better wear a shawl or something. Or maybe you should just stay in—"she said.

"No, Gwen," she interrupted, "This is perfect." Just try and resist this, Merlin.

FINIS

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