Morgana held her sable head high as she walked through Camelot. She heard gasps of surprise and horror. Women grabbed their children and held them close. Men froze as they were mesmerized by her beauty, but theier hearts beat erratically with fear. As she approached the castle, a group of guards rushed towards her. She stopped them with a raised hand. Why didn't I just drop in? Why do the right thing? The right thing is time consuming.

"I'm here to see the King."

The guards had the nerved to look around each other for guidance . Really, you can't make a decision. I fear for Camelot. What else could attack them?

"I'm waiting."

A young guard scurried inside the castle like a mouse being chased by angry hungry cat. Morgana shook her head. Vivi was her number one priority. She couldn't arrive in Camelot. Her little mouth would spill every secret that Morgana possessed. She couldn't trust Vivi with Merlin. Deep in her heart, Merlin would argue that his child belong with her father. In a way, Merlin was correct. Morgana was a terribly flawed person, but she loved her child. She already lost everything; she could lose her daughter.

Arthur nibbled on a slice of cheese. His eyes assessed his children. Gwydre sat calmly breaking a slice of cheese into small parts for Duran. Amhar constantly retrieved Rowan's discarded toy; making her giggle when Amhar jump to do her bidding. Arthur realized his older sons cared deeply for their younger siblings. He wasn't going to let them down. His children had a bond, a deeper bond than he had with Morgana. Where did it go so dangerously wrong with his wayward sister? He loved her most of his life. Sometimes, his anger gnawed at his insides. He wanted to shake his sister until her teeth rattled. But, he couldn't risk her around the children. His family was so precious to him. Morgana would not be his Morgause. Nothing would endanger his children. Nothing.

Gwen placed a few apple slices on his plate. He was too tired to eat. He didn't have the energy to move his jaw. It was easier fighting in a war than to care for his children. He wanted to crawl into bed with Gwen and just sleep the day away. But, he was king, he wasn't allowed to sleep all day with his wife.

Arthur head rose when a flushed knight stormed into the dining room. Rowan released a pitiful cry when the loud noise startled her. Quickly, Gwen rose to soother her frightened baby. Rowans hid her face in Gwen's shoulder as Gwen rubbed her small back. The boys watched the young guard. They knew flushed men weren't a sign of something good. They meant Father had to leave them for months.

The guard dropped to his knees. "Milord, you have a visitor."

Arthur gave the young guard a stern look. "From where?"

"I don't know where she came from."

"She?"

"Your sister is here, milord. The Lady Morgana has returned to Camelot."

Gwen head whipped around in shock. Arthur blinked wildly. The boys knew something was amiss. Duran moved his chair closed to Gwydre. Amhar jumped in front of the baby and his mother. Giggling, Rowan dropped porridge into his hair from her sticky fingers. Gwyrde's eyes flicked over to rest on his mother and little sister.

Arthur pushed his chair from the table. "Guinevere, you are to go to the nursery. Stay there."

"Arthur.'

"As you king, I order you." Arthur watched Gwen's brown eyes widened in anger. "As your husband, I ask you."

Gwen bounced the baby. "Time heals all wounds."

"Not when the wound is still gaping, Guinevere."

Arthur stood silently watching Morgana's slender form in the council room. He felt foolish staring at her through a slight crack in the door. He ordered Gwen and the children confine to their chamber after breakfast. Arthur realized Gwen was annoyed with his behavior, but he needed to protect his family. Uther failed to protect Morgana from the evil lurking in the world… No, she made her own choices. Morgana would not corrupt his innocent children. She would not steal them away in the night. She would not be his Morgause. He wouldn't make Uther's mistakes.

Morgana could feel Arthur staring at her. Her back arched proudly; she would not beg for his forgiveness. Daily, she lived with guilt and regret. Often, during dark cool nights, she remembered carless days with Merlin, Arthur, and Gwen. Her friends. Her family. Those that she betrayed. She would give anything to soothe their hurt, but she needed Morgause during her youth. She felt lost in Camelot. Unsure of herself, fearing rejection from everyone.

"Morgana."

Morgana pivoted on a satin heel. Arthur had grown mature over the last ten years. His face was leaner, harder, and a harsh gleam in his blue eyes. A small grin stick on her lips; did he have grey around his ears?

"I guess a hug is out of the question."

'Yes."

Arthur stormed past her. He placed his left hand on his throne. His wedding band gleamed in the sunlight. "What do you want?"

Morgana rolled her green eyes. Arthur arched an eyebrow in her direction. "Annoyance, Morgana? You come here with a bad disposition? After everything that you have done?"

Reluctantly, Arthur felt a stab of admiration when her sable hair flung around her oval face in frustration. At least, she doesn't back down from a fight.

"I made a mistake, Arthur Pendragon. I'm a monster; does that make you feel better? People cringe at the sight of me. Children chant "witch" when I walk by. I have suffered for my sins and indiscretions. The years have not been kind."

"Why are you here?"

"Have you forgotten throwing Gwen to a hard stone ground as you order her arrest? Or turning a blind eye when her father died? Or watching Gaius on a wooden platform built for his death? How about Merlin, your faithful friend? Did you not change your thinking? Did they not forgive you?"

Arthur's face flushed red in embarrassment. He did act shamefully in his youth. "I wanted to change. I grew up."

"As have I."

"Why are you here?"

"I have a daughter named Vivienne Elaine." Arthur rolled his blue eyes in disgust. "You're too old to roll your eyes. She's missing. I think she's on her way to Camelot."

"Why here?'

"Merlin is her father."

Arthur dropped into his throne. "You and Merlin?"