It took three days for Uther to figure out that no one would obey his attempts to order a massive manhunt. The now-pardoned former prisoners began trickling back into Camelot, where they were welcomed with open arms. Gwen soon sported a shiny new engagement ring, and Morgana warmly congratulated her friends.


Once Merlin and Lancelot returned from tracking down the escapees, Morgana joined them to give Balinor an update on what was happening in Camelot. "Uther is now king in name only," she revealed. "He still sits on the council, but the councillors look to Arthur for the final decisions. If Arthur and Uther disagree, then it is Arthur's word that they follow."

Balinor looked impressed. "And what of the laws on magic? Has he lifted them?"

Morgana shook her head. "He doesn't want to do anything too radical while Uther still officially holds the throne. But he has successfully modified the law so that death is no longer the automatic penalty for magic."

"And he insisted it wasn't worth the resources to hunt down any known sorcerer who isn't actively attacking the kingdom," Merlin continued. "So there won't be any manhunts for 'Emrys' and 'Le Fay'."

"And anyone arrested for crimes related to magic receives a truly fair trial," Morgana added. "There's yet to be a conviction."

"There's even talk of declaring Uther unfit to rule and naming Arthur as Prince Regent." Merlin smiled and clapped Lancelot on the shoulder. "Arthur promised that if that happens, the first thing he'll do will be to give Lancelot the knighthood he deserves."

"Times are truly changing," Lancelot agreed.

Balinor smiled, looking at Merlin. "I believe the day will soon come when your mother and I can finally marry."


A few weeks later, Arthur returned early from a hunting trip and reported that his party had lost a man to a monstrous creature. Gaius announced that the description matched that of the Questing Beast, a creature of magic. Uther ordered that the beast be hunted down and killed…and once Arthur agreed, the knights began their preparations.


Morgana went to Gaius's chambers, hoping for more information about the Questing Beast. Inside, Gaius was preparing medicines while Mordred watched Merlin practice with a sword. "Anything I should know about the Questing Beast?" Morgana asked.

"My lady, Merlin has the matter well in hand," Gaius assured.

Morgana glared at him. "Allow me to rephrase. Is there anything you did not tell Uther about the Questing Beast?"

One bite, you die, and not even magic can cure you, Mordred said worriedly.

Unable to hear Mordred, Gaius sighed and also spoke. "One bite, you die, and there is no cure."

"So, I gather that this is a battle which will require extra caution," Morgana concluded.

Merlin nodded. "I'm planning to tag along as Emrys. I'll follow them at a distance, just in case there are any hotheads, but the moment we find the Questing Beast, I'll do whatever it takes to kill it."

"Do you want my help?" Morgana offered.

Merlin shook his head. "Thanks, but no. With the dragon-forged sword, Arthur might not even need my help, and people are more likely to notice if you're gone."

Emrys can do it, you'll see, Mordred added confidently.

"Between Arthur and Merlin, I'm sure the beast will soon meet its end," Morgana agreed. "Good luck."


In the morning, Morgana went out to the castle steps to see the knights off. She watched proudly as Arthur gave his men a rallying speech, then led them all out of the courtyard. She then turned to go back inside, and noticed Lancelot looking rather downcast. "I'm sorry you couldn't be part of this," she said quietly. "But extra blades will not improve their chances, and Gwen would never forgive me if I ordered you into harm's way without good reason."

Lancelot sighed. "I know. I still wish I could be doing more."

"Your day will come soon," Morgana promised. She smiled slyly. "And until then, you have more time to spend with your beautiful fiancée."

Lancelot broke into a smile of his own. "Thank you, my lady. I believe I shall do just that." He hurried back into the castle.


A few hours later, Morgana heard Mordred's voice in her mind. Morgana, come quickly! Arthur's been bitten!

What?! Morgana dropped her embroidery and hurried to the physician's chambers.


She arrived just in time to see Uther gather Arthur up in his arms, promising to personally carry Arthur to his chambers. In times past, Morgana might have found this touching, but now she only had eyes for her brother. She followed Uther across the square, and when he began sobbing too hard to continue, she followed the knights who bore Arthur the rest of the way. She turned down the covers of Arthur's bed for them, determined to do something to help.

The knights departed once Arthur had been laid out comfortably. Merlin and Mordred entered soon after, and Morgana rounded on Merlin. "How could you let this happen?! You were supposed to make sure it died before anyone got bitten!"

"You think I don't know that?" Merlin retorted wearily. "They tracked the beast into a cave, and I lost Arthur's trail. I found him just in time to see the beast knock Arthur, Leon and Ewan to the ground with a single swipe of its paw. Obviously I cast the spells to kill it immediately, but in the time it took to say the incantations…"

"You should have just joined the hunting party from the start!"

"If I could turn back time, I would!" Merlin insisted. "But I've never been able to turn time backwards, only slow it briefly."

"Well then why didn't you do that?!"

"It didn't occur to me, I'm sorry!" Merlin swallowed, tears in his eyes. "I am truly sorry. I tried to cast some healing spells on him, but nothing's made any difference."

Maybe you just haven't found the right one, Mordred suggested. There's got to be something you can do!

"If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears!" Merlin said helplessly.

Morgana took a deep breath and looked at Arthur, forcing aside her anger to focus on finding a solution. "Maybe Balinor will know something Gaius doesn't."

"Let's go," Merlin agreed instantly.


"There is one way to save Arthur, but it will come at a heavy price," Balinor stated grimly. "The bite of the Questing Beast is in some ways the reverse of the magic which first created Arthur."

"The magic which…" Merlin trailed off and swallowed. "The magic which took Ygraine's life?"

Balinor nodded. "The very same. To create a life, or to save one that is already lost, a life must be taken. The balance of the world must be repaid."

"So in order for Arthur to live, someone else must die," Morgana summarized.

"Yes," Balinor confirmed. "There is no way around it."

"Well." Morgana glanced at Merlin. "I can think of someone who would willingly give his life for Arthur."

"Whatever I must do, I will do it," Merlin vowed.

"You can't," Balinor insisted. "Such a trade requires the Cup of Life. Nimueh holds that in safekeeping at the Isle of the Blessed."

"Then we will go to the Isle of the Blessed," Merlin said firmly. "Arthur must live. And please, make sure Kilgharrah cannot interfere again." Merlin glanced at Morgana. "I think we both know who he would target if he did."

Balinor swallowed. "Merlin, please…"

"We'll do it with or without you," Morgana warned. "For Arthur, I am willing to take that risk."

Balinor sighed. "Very well. But I will also accompany you to the Isle."


Merlin and Morgana returned to the city to prepare for a long journey, while Balinor snuck into the dungeons to speak to Kilgharrah. Morgana packed her own bags for once, since Gwen and Lancelot were still together somewhere. Morgana decided it would probably be best to leave Lancelot out of the plan, seeing as this kind of magic was almost certainly outside his comfort zone. A part of her wondered why she herself did not feel more guilty about their plan. Surely she ought to feel something at the prospect of sacrificing the life of someone she knew so well. But all she felt was a cold emptiness. She would do anything to protect her brother.


On her way out of the castle, Morgana ran into Leon. "My lady!" he exclaimed, surprised. He frowned at her attire. "Are you going somewhere?"

"We believe we have found a cure for Arthur," Morgana explained.

"Thank goodness," Leon replied, relieved. "But, you should know…if Arthur does not survive, there is talk of declaring you Princess Regent."

Morgana's jaw dropped. "What?!"

"Your true parentage yet remains a secret, but you have been raised in the royal family, and it is well-known that you have been involved in many of the recent decisions which garnered Arthur the popular support."

Morgana swallowed and took a deep breath. "Well, I am flattered, but it will not be necessary. Arthur will live."

"I pray you are right." Leon bowed and continued on his way.


Morgana, Merlin and Balinor rode through much of the night. They finally reached the Isle of the Blessed late the next day. They picketed their horses and walked down to the dock, where a small boat was moored. It had no oars, but Balinor simply cast a spell and the boat began moving toward the island.

Once they docked at the Isle, Balinor led the way up a short staircase into a large courtyard with an altar. A golden chalice sat on the altar. "Hello?" Balinor called. "Nimueh?"

"Hello, Balinor." Nimueh emerged from a doorway and gracefully walked toward them. "I never thought I'd see you here again."

Balinor swallowed. "We've come to ask for your help."

"To save Arthur?"

"You know what we've come to ask?" Merlin said, surprised.

"I have been keeping an eye on events in Camelot," Nimueh revealed. "I know that Arthur lies dying of the bite of the Questing Beast." She looked at Balinor again. "And you know that I do not have the power to mirror life without giving something in return."

"I know," Balinor agreed. "I willingly give my life for Arthur's."

"What?! Father, no!" Merlin exclaimed.

"I cannot let you give your life, Merlin!" Balinor put a hand on Merlin's shoulder and gave him an earnest look. "There have been many times when I should have been there for you, and I wasn't. I cannot change the past, but I can be a proper father to you now."

"Uncle, no," Morgana cut in, staring at him in disbelief. "When I said I knew of someone willing to die for Arthur, I did not speak of Merlin! Did you actually think I would happily stand by and watch him die?!"

Balinor turned to Morgana, now confused. "Then whom did you speak of?"

"I spoke of Uther," Morgana revealed. "He tried to fight the wraith in Arthur's place, fully believing he would die. He swore that Arthur's life meant more to him than his own, more to him than the entire kingdom! Well, I say we keep him to his word. His reign is all but ended. His death will pave the way for the rise of Albion."

Nimueh sighed. "Would that I could. I would be more than happy to trade the tyrant's life for Arthur's. But there is an element of blood magic to this. When I cast the spell, the Cup of Life must be held by the one whose life is to be given. I might be able to twist the spell to take a close blood relative, as I tried to with Agravaine, but I could not possibly take the life of someone with whom none of you share blood."

Merlin slumped in disappointment, then both he and Balinor turned to Morgana and their eyes widened. Morgana broke into a devious smirk. "Well then. It's a good thing Uther secretly had an illegitimate daughter, isn't it?"

Nimueh briefly looked confused, then her eyes also widened and she broke into an identical smirk. "A very good thing indeed." She looked at Balinor. "May I assume you have ordered Kilgharrah not to interfere again?"

"Of course," Balinor agreed, smiling.

"Excellent." Nimueh picked up the Cup and held it out to Morgana. "My lady, if you please."

Morgana took the Cup. Nimueh threw back her head and chanted to the heavens. Clouds rapidly covered the sky, darkening and spilling into a downpour. Once water had filled the Cup halfway, the rain stopped and the skies cleared again. Nimueh took back the Cup and poured its water into an ornate flask, which she handed to Morgana.

"A bargain is struck," Nimueh stated. "May the sun rise on a new king of Camelot."


They arrived back at Camelot the next day. Morgana and Merlin went straight to Arthur's chambers, not bothering to announce their return to anyone. Before they entered, Morgana gave the flask to Merlin, recognizing that it would be better if the cure appeared to come from a physician's ward.

Inside, Merlin carefully opened Arthur's mouth and poured the water down his throat. Just as he was pouring the last drops, Uther entered the room. "What are you doing, boy? What are you giving him?"

Merlin looked up. "It's a tincture made from the lobelia plant. We used it to cure poisonous bites in my home village."

Uther's eyes lit up. "A remedy?"

"I've seen it work before." Merlin put the empty flask in his pocket.

Morgana walked over and took Uther's hand. "My lord, perhaps we should allow Arthur to rest."

Uther pulled out of her grasp and went to sit at Arthur's side. "I will not leave him."

Morgana and Merlin shared a look. "Then neither will I," Morgana stated, pulling up a chair next to Uther. Merlin left to fetch Gaius.


As the minutes passed, color slowly returned to Arthur's face, and slowly drained from Uther's. By the time Merlin returned with Gaius, Uther had slumped against the bed, obviously exhausted. Gaius shot Morgana a look that was somehow heated and weary at the same time, then walked over to gently shake Uther. "Sire. You need rest."

"No," Uther murmured weakly. "I will not leave Arthur."

"Sire, you are exhausted. You have scarcely slept since Arthur was wounded."

"And I will not rest until I know his fate."

"Gaius," Merlin said quietly. "Maybe we should leave him…in case this is their last time together."

Gaius turned to glare at Merlin, then sighed and nodded. He looked back at Uther. "Send for me if there is any change."


An hour later, Arthur finally woke. He groggily opened his eyes, staring in confusion at his disheveled sister and now-unconscious father. Morgana broke into a wide smile. "Arthur! Thank heavens. We nearly lost you."

"What happened?"

Morgana glanced at Uther. "You were bitten. We found a cure, but…there was a price."

"A…price," Arthur repeated, his eyes narrowed. He suddenly looked back and forth between Morgana and Uther, eyes wide. Then he pushed himself off his pillows and lightly shook the king. "Father. Father!"

Uther moaned, then his eyes flew wide open. "Arthur!" He tried to sit up, but could not.

"Morgana," Arthur said sternly. "What's wrong with him?"

Morgana turned to Uther. "My lord, Gaius did tell you that you need rest. You have seen for yourself that Arthur lives; go and get some sleep. Arthur will still be here."

"Yes, perhaps I should." Uther tried again to get up, as unsuccessfully as before.

"Guards!" Arthur called. Two soldiers entered the room. "Take my father to his chambers, and fetch Gaius there."

"Yes, my lord," the soldiers agreed. They helped Uther to his feet and led him out of the room.

Once the door had closed behind them, Arthur turned back to glare at Morgana. "Now. What's really wrong with him? What did you do?"

Morgana sighed. "The only way we could save you was to have Nimueh invoke the same magic she used at your birth. This time, we traded Uther's life for yours."

Arthur continued glaring at her, breathing heavily. "You killed him, for me. You murdered him, for me!"

"Would you prefer I sacrificed myself?" Morgana snapped. "Or Merlin, or Balinor? Arthur, I know he is the only parent you've ever known, but I think even you know by now that he is neither a good king nor a good man. You are far better for the kingdom than he is. Given the choice, I suspect there are very few in this realm who would have chosen Uther over you."

"But to kill him in cold blood…"

"Merlin tried other healing spells, Arthur. None of them worked. This was our only option." Morgana stood up. "Hate me if you like, but I will not apologize for doing what was necessary to save your life—and to protect this entire kingdom."

Arthur swallowed and looked away. Morgana stood there for a few moments longer, hoping he might say something else, but he did not. Holding back tears, she turned and left the room.


Gwen and Lancelot were both waiting for her in her chambers. "My lady!" Lancelot cried. "Where have you been? When I could not find you, I was so worried!"

Morgana sighed wearily. "Merlin hasn't told you what happened?"

Gwen shook her head. "No, we didn't want to bother him while Arthur is ill."

Morgana sank into a chair. "We found a cure, but it came at a heavy cost. The bite of the Questing Beast can only be cured by sacrificing another in the victim's place."

"You…you sacrificed someone for Arthur?" Lancelot repeated warily. "Who?"

"Uther," Morgana replied. "He truly loves Arthur, but that is perhaps his only redeeming quality. I know it was not exactly honorable to trade his life without his knowledge or consent…but all things considered, I felt it was the best option." She looked up at Lancelot. "That's why I left without you. I didn't want you to carry this weight."

Lancelot looked like he wasn't quite sure what to make of that. "I see," he said stiffly.

Gwen shot him a reproving look. "Thank you, my lady. I am sure you did your best, just as you always do."

Morgana smiled thinly. "Thank you, Gwen."

Lancelot swallowed. "Thank you, my lady, for respecting my morals. I know you would never have resorted to such methods if you believed there was any other way."

Morgana heaved a small sigh of relief. "Thank you, Lancelot." She stood up again. "Now, if you wouldn't mind, I could really use a hot bath."


In the morning, Arthur came to Morgana's chambers. She warily opened the door for him. "Arthur."

"Morgana." Arthur glanced down at his bandaged shoulder, then briefly shut his eyes and took a deep breath. "Look, I understand why you did it. If the roles were reversed, and I had to choose between him and you, I probably would have chosen you. I just…never imagined there would be a scenario where you or I or anyone else would actually have to make that kind of choice. Truth be told, I'm not entirely sure I would have had the strength to make such a choice."

Morgana swallowed. "Then…you don't hate me?"

"I'm not entirely sure how I feel, but…no. I don't hate you." Arthur looked up at her and took another deep breath. "He's asking for you."

Morgana's eyes widened. "What?! Does he…does he know?"

Arthur shook his head. "No. Gaius has told him he is suffering from an ordinary illness. Look, Morgana, I know you never loved him the same way I did, but he did take you in, and I know that he truly loves you. Please, if not for him, then for me. Go and see him one last time."

Morgana gave Arthur a wary look. "I will not feign affection that I do not feel."

Arthur bowed his head. "That is your choice. But if there's ever anything you've wanted to say to him…this is your last chance."

"Very well."


Gaius was inside Uther's chambers when she arrived, but he bowed and left the room. Now alone with the king, Morgana approached the bed. Uther was covered in sores and obviously in pain. Morgana swallowed, unsure what to say.

"Morgana," Uther whispered.

Morgana continued to hesitate, debating how to address him. "Uther."

"I know I…I've not been the best father. I kept the truth from you. I put the kingdom first. I'm sorry."

"It wasn't the truth that mattered to me." Morgana glared at him. "I would have gladly lived the rest of my life in ignorance, if only you would have listened to my counsel when innocent lives were on the line."

"I know I'm…not an easy man," Uther admitted. "My temper…blinds me sometimes. There are things that I regret."

"Like using a druid child as a scapegoat to ensure my silence?" Morgana challenged.

"Yes."

Morgana stared at him. "Are you saying you were wrong to threaten Mordred?"

"Yes," Uther continued. "I should have…listened to you more and quarreled with you less. You've…been a blessing to me. Your counsel…is invaluable, as is your friendship and…your love. Without you, I could not have hoped…to be the king this land deserves."

Morgana swallowed again, heart racing. "And if I told you that I inherited the talent that runs in the Ambrosius bloodline? If I told you that I am a witch?"

"You could never…be tainted by such evil…"

"Forbearnen." Uther stared, his eyes wide with shock. Morgana determinedly met his gaze. "I cannot help who I am, nor could many others whom you put to death. Do you still love me, Father?"

Uther's eyes darted around the room, as if desperately searching for some other explanation for the magical fire crackling in his daughter's hand. At last, after what felt like an eternity, his eyes settled back on Morgana. "No matter what you do…you will always be my daughter."

Morgana allowed the flame to fade. She was pleasantly surprised by his answer…but not enough to return the sentiment. "And no matter what you do, Gorlois will always be the father of my heart. Good-bye, Uther." She turned around and departed the room.

Later, once she was alone in her chambers, the tears began to fall.


Uther passed shortly before sunset. The body was laid out in state in the throne room, and Arthur spent the night in mournful vigil. For a few fleeting heartbeats, Morgana actually considered joining him. But in the end, she simply retired to her own bed.


A few days later, once Arthur's arm was free of the sling, the coronation was finally held. People packed into the throne room, dressed in their finest. Morgana stood at the front of the crowd, smiling proudly. Sir Geoffrey waited in front of the throne, holding the king's crown.

The doors opened and Arthur entered, walking down the aisle to kneel in front of Geoffrey. Geoffrey smiled at him and held out the crown. "Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the peoples of Camelot according to their respective laws and customs?"

"I solemnly swear so to do."

"Will you, to your power, cause law and justice in mercy to be executed in all your judgments?"

"I will."

"Then by the sacred law vested in me, I crown you Arthur, King of Camelot." Geoffrey placed the crown on Arthur's head. Arthur rose to his feet and faced the crowd.

"Long live the king!" Morgana called.

The crowd took up the cheer. "Long live the king! Long live the king! Long live the king!"


True to his word, Arthur abolished the First Code of Camelot, and Lancelot was knighted the very next day. His knighting inspired other commoners, and half a dozen of them began training to join the knighthood that same day. Gwen's brother was among them, having returned to Camelot at the news of his sister's impending wedding.


Balinor and Hunith married in a quiet ceremony in Ealdor, attended by Merlin and Morgana. The newly wedded couple then accompanied their son and niece back to Camelot, where Arthur welcomed them with open arms. He used the occasion to make the public announcement he'd been planning ever since he learned the truth.

Arthur stood on the balcony, Morgana beside him. "People of Camelot. Many of you know the Lady Morgana as my father's ward, but in recent months, I have come to know her as something else. She was in truth my father's daughter, a fact he concealed out of shame, but I do not share that shame. From this day forward, I wish for all of Camelot to know her as my sister, the Princess Morgana."

The crowd broke into cheering and applause. Morgana smiled and took Arthur's hand.

"But there is more to her family story than even that," Arthur continued. "Her uncle, the Lord Balinor Ambrosius, is a Dragonlord. My father declared war on his kind, and Balinor was forced to flee Camelot for his life. I now offer peace to him and his kind. Please join me in welcoming Lord Balinor Ambrosius, his wife the Lady Hunith, and their son the Lord Merlin." Arthur took a step to the side and gestured to the doorway. Balinor, Hunith and Merlin emerged, all three of them dressed in finery befitting their station. The people cheered again.

Arthur waited for the applause to die down, then spoke once more. "And when I say I offer peace to their kind, I do not speak only of Dragonlords. Lord Balinor, Lord Merlin and Princess Morgana were all born with tremendous magical power, which they have repeatedly used for the benefit of this kingdom. Some of you already know Lord Merlin and Princess Morgana as the sorcerers Emrys and Le Fay. I spoke the truth when I promised them safety. From this day forth, magic is no longer a crime in Camelot. Any sorcerer who uses their magic for good, as these three do, may practice in Camelot without fear. I intend for Camelot to be a kingdom that is just and fair, for all who live here."

The crowd clapped and cheered once more, the applause truly thunderous this time. The Once and Future King had come into his throne, and it was time for the golden age of Albion to begin.


A/N: The end, more or less. A few notes to address potential questions people might have:

1. Morgana takes in Mordred as her official ward. He gradually comes out of his shell and eventually joins the knights.

2. Gwaine and Percival also eventually find their way into the Camelot knighthood.

3. Arthur briefly develops feelings for Gwen, but he respects the fact that she is committed to Lancelot and he never acts on these feelings. He eventually gets over her and marries Mithian. It isn't a love for the ages, but they're happy enough.

4. In this universe, Merlin is aroace and he never gets together with anyone. Morgana is straight, but I have no comment on her future love life; imagine her with whoever you like (so long as they're not related to her or otherwise taken).