Arthur blew on Gwen's soup as she watched him through hooded eyes. She felt amazingly better after spending days battling a fierce burning fever. Her limbs were still tired. Her teeth ached from clattering during cold spells.

"Arthur?" Gwen always knew when Arthur was trouble. He might be the King of Camelot, but he was the Emperor of brooding. Few men could appear devilishly handsome while twisting their lips as they lost themselves in deep thought.

"I worry about the children. Gwydre and Amhar could overthrow and lead Camelot as children. Terrified, they will place me in the dungeon. Duran and the baby are so quiet. Calm and peaceful, I worry for them. Albion is a harsh place with terrible things."

"Arthur," Gwen reached for his large hand. "They will be fine. You're a wonderful father."

"I feel like I'm losing them. Gwydre and Amhar used to invite me on their adventures. Now, they lead their own pilgrimages. Duran, he's so shy. I wasn't here when he was born. I've missed so much with him. Rowan is a girl. Camelot has a horrible past daughters."

A knowing smile crossed Gwen's face. Arthur thought of Morgana. He argued with Gwen about his wayward sister. Fierce, loud arguments. Gwen knew two subjects were off limits: Lancelot and Morgana; Arthur wished to speak of neither. Arthur captured Gwen's trembling hand as she reached for him.

"Merlin could find her."

"No."

"Why not? Our children should know their aunt."

"I will not quarrel with you during your illness."

"Think about bringing her home. It's lonely. Loneliness breeds mischief."

Arthur's heart tugged with joy. Gwen was his center. His voice of reason.

"Maybe."

Gwen smiled softly. Maybe was a new response.

Morgana eyes the small girl with sable hair and Merlin's blue eyes. Sometimes, her brow curled in frustration when she disciplined her daughter. At ten years, Vivienne was stubborn, willful, and demanding, she inherited all of her mother's dangerous personality traits. Why didn't she have Merlin's calmness?

"I asked you to stay home."

"You asked, you didn't demand."

"You knew what I meant!"

"It's not fair. He's my father."

"He doesn't know."

"He should! I have cousins. An aunt and uncle. I have a father." A fat tear dropped from Vivi's brilliant blue eyes. "Mother, I just want a family. I'm tired of running away."

Guilt flooded Morgana's soul. She made so many mistakes in her youth. She hurt so many people with her misguided judgment. Vivi's birth made her rethink her life of vengeance and hate. How could she face Arthur and Merlin? How could she tell Merlin about their daughter? Kind hearted Gwen forgave her; she heard Gwen's whispered words of forgiveness on dark night floated in the dark sky.

"Mother, something evil watched Gwydre, Father, and Amhar in the woods."

"Really?"

"Besides me."

"You're not evil; this family only has room for one wicked witch. I feel a disturbance in nature. Something dark moves in the direction of Camelot."

Arthur brushed Gwydre soft dark hair from his damp brow. He brushed a soft kiss on his forehead. Gwydre opened his eyes, "I love you, Father," he murmured as he fell asleep. Arthur heard movement. A blonde brow arched as Amhar stumbled towards him. His thumb falling out of his mouth.

"Bad dream, Fafa."

Arthur loved when his children called him "Fafa"; he lifted Amhar into his arms as he walked towards the nursery door. Arthur gave Duran and the baby one last glance as he gently shut the door.

"You can sleep with me tonight."

"Just me?"

"Just you."

"Not even, Mother?"

"Not even, Mother."

"Can we get cookies?"