Nothing fluffy about this chapter. I can't wait for summer. The chapters will slowed when the rain stops in Florida. Three days and counting. So, I write chapters.

Green grass pushed through the hard ground of Camelot. Blue Jays and Robins returned to the woods. Fawn sightings occurred in town. Green buds appeared on flower bushes. Camelot was bathed daily in russet sunset, later in the day.

Merlin stared at the beautiful day from Aredian's window. Aredian mumbled and complained in the background. His cabinets flung open in search of medicinal herbs.

"Merlin!"

"Yes, Aredian."

"Have you collected herbs for ointments and draughts?"

Merlin gave his head a shake. "The weather just broke."

Well, we need to replenish our supplies."

"How, we have to treat people during the day."

"Merlin, we're going to spend the night in the woods collecting herbs."

"Together. Alone. You and me."

"Yes, I'm looking forward to it."

Merlin shuddered as Aredian frowned at him. Aredian wiped his damp hands on a cloth. "I've seen your kind before."

"They say I'm one of a kind, Aredian."

Aredian snorted in disdain. "Nothing , special at about you, Merlin," Aredian spat.

Merlin grinned. "I'm glad that you didn't notice, Aredian."

Queen Igraine stood near her ornate carriage. The sun glistened off the cherry wood. Trimmed with golden dragons. Beige velvet covered the interior. Her carriage was surrounded by four knights of Camelot. Leon stood ready to lead Igraine's pilgrimage. Leon exchanged a few words with Arthur. He brushed Leon's horse.

Igraine gave Morgana a tight hug. "I'll back for one last tea, my darling girl. I love you."

"I'll miss you, milady." Morgan smiled at Queen Igraine

Queen Igraine hugged Gwen tightly. Gwen's curls tickled her nose. "Enjoy your time in my room. Take long hot baths. Relax, for a while. I love you," Igraine whispered in Gwen's hair.

"Enjoy your pilgrimage, milady. I'll miss you." Igraine gave Gwen a hard squeeze.

Arthur walked over to the carriage. Igraine kissed Arthur's cheek. "Don't spend all of your time planning for war. I'll be back before you leave. I love you, Arthur."

"Travel safely, mother. I love you, too", Arthur mumbled softly. Igraine gave his face one last pat. Arthur helped his mother climb into her carriage. A maid soothed her dress. Arthur signal the driver to move.

Arthur, Gwen, and Morgana waved to Igraine until her carriage left their view. Gwen curtseyed towards Arthur and Morgana. She walked quickly towards her house. Arthur tracked her movements..

"Arthur, I thought you were past Gwen."

"In the past, Morgana."

Arthur wrapped Morgana's pale around his firm forearm. "We have other things to dwell on, sister. I thinking about breaking us into four different groups. Alined won't excepted four different attacks."

Morgana smiled at Arthur. He actually sought her counsel about battle. He respected her opinions. Arthur has changed. Every one changed over the last few months. Lancelot practiced with her daily. He actually spent hours talking with her. Sometimes, Lancelot would walk with Morgana in the gardens. Lancelot spent less time at Maggie's inn. Sometimes, Morgana was actually happy to see Lancelot. He was still annoying. Arthur gave her another smile as he lead her into the castle.

Merlin groaned as he pushed the heavy tub to the center of Queen Igraine's' chamber. His chest hurt and shook. Gwen wasn't much help. Her small arms couldn't push anything. Merlin booted Gwen out of the way. His eyes flashed amber as he recited a few words. Queen Igraine's' tub lifted off the ground and moved in front of the fireplace. Gwen's eyes bulged.

"Merlin," Gwen yelled. She slapped his back hard. "No, magic, at the castle."

"No, exhausted Merlin. I have to spend the whole night in the woods with Aredian. While, you get to sleep in Queen Igraine's soft bed. Have a hot bath. I'm sleeping on the hard ground," Merlin whined.

Gwen laughed. " A special supper tomorrow night. No, magic with Aredian, Merlin."

"I got it. Destiny calls us. I must go."

Merlin gave Gwen a tight hug. Merlin scampered from Igraine's chamber. Gwen shook her head.

Gwen snuggled in Queen Igraine's bed. Her mattress was so soft. The linens caressed her skin. Gwen loved her yearly treat. One night in Igraine's bed. A real bath in the morning.

I hope Merlin doesn't do anything regretful. Aredian dislikes Merlin . He could make our lives miserable. Three months, Merlin and Gwen planned to leave in late June. Merlin's birthday was in the middle of October. They would be far away. Merlin's shielding spell would expire on his 21st birthday. They planned to be far away from Camelot. Gwen heard glass breaking in the King Uther's adjacent chamber. Gwen frowned. Who could be in Uther's chamber? Arthur refused to occupy his father chamber until he married.

Gwen's bare feet s walked towards the door next to Uther's chamber. She pressed her head on the door. She couldn't hear a thing. She turned a brass doorknob. I'll check. Just to be sure. Gwen poked her head into the dark chamber. A strong hand grabbed Gwen by her shoulders. Gwen gasped in fear as she was thrown against a hard wall. A large fist held the front of her gown. Her eyes shut in fear. Gwen's feet dangled from the ground.

"Gwen."

Gwen's eyes popped open to Arthur's hard face. "Arthur, what are you doing here?"

"This is my castle. Why are you here?"

"Your mother said I could spend the night in her chamber. Sleep in a soft bed. A hot bath. I do it every year," Gwen whispered.

"Mother, didn't tell me."

Gwen shrugged. "Arthur, can you let me down?" Arthur gently lowered Gwen. Burning candles illuminated the chamber. A fire burned in the fireplace. Moonlight shone on Arthur's face. Arthur backed away from Gwen. His mouth set in a tight line.

"Gwen, go back to my mother's bed," Arthur encouraged. "Get your rest."

Gwen noticed Arthur's tat body. His hands tightly clenched. "Arthur, why aren't you in bed? The guards are gone until your mother returns. You're without protection." Arthur smiled in the glowing darkness.

"I can take care of myself. Thanks for the concern."

"Anytime. Why are you here?"

"I leave in a few weeks to meet Alined's knights. I wanted to be close to my father. I thought , maybe, I could feel his approval."

Gwen walked over to Arthur. She placed a palm on his muscular arm. "Arthur, King Uther adored you. His eyes shone with pride, whenever he spoke of you. Don't worry about his approval. You had it."

Arthur looked at Gwen's hand resting on his arm. Arthur noticed Gwen's tousled hair hiding her face. His eyes traced her smooth brown collarbone. Arthur exhaled.

"Gwen, go back to bed and locked the door."

Gwen licked her lips. She shut her eyes. "I want to stay," Gwen whispered.

"Gwen, I'm cannot be noble, any longer."

Gwen's eyes glistened with tears. "You told me to come to you. So, here I am."

Arthur pulled Gwen into his arms. He smiled in triumphant against Gwen's neck.

Merlin crawled around like a bug looking for herbs. Aredian sat in front of a fire with a mulled goblet of wine. Aredian didn't look for herbs. That's Merlin's job. Merlin winced as worms squirmed over his hands. Bats floated around . Hawks screeched in the night as they swooped down to catch their prey. An old owl hooted in the background.

"Goodness, this is awful."

Merlin heard twigs crackling around him. Finally, Aredian was going to help. Merlin turned his head. He was alone in the darkness. Fireflies swirled. Their glowing bodies illuminated the woods.

"Hello, Emrys," a soft voice called. "We're here to help.

Several translucent fairies with gossamer wings appeared. They flew towards Merlin. A delicate pink fairy perched on Merlin's shoulder. "The cranky old man is asleep. Let us help you."

"My sisters and I will collected the herbs. "

"Okay."

The fairies buzzed around Merlin like a set of bees. Rapidly, they filled small burlap bags with Aredian's herbs. Merlin's eyes felt heavy with sleep. He rubbed his eyes.

"Almost, Emrys."

The fairies placed various small burlap bags in Merlin's sack.

"When the king leaves, come to the forest ,Emrys. To understand nature, you must learn fairy magic. Bring Gwen. She needs to learn to hide herself.

His new allies floated into a line and flew towards the moon.

Merlin head back to camp. He noticed Aredian snoring loudly as he clutched his pillow.

"I don't know if I can't deal with anything else."

Red rays from a brilliant sunrise woke Gwen. The fine sheets felt cold and damp against her flesh. Memories of last night flashed in her mind. She remember gripping Arthur's broad shoulders. Moaning his name. Running her hands along his hard thighs. Gwen closed her eyes. She could still feel Arthur's hot mouth on her nipples. Soft kisses pressed along her trembling thighs. His fingers tangled in her hair. His mouth kissing her neck. She remembered falling asleep on Arthur's chest. His arms wrapped around her damp body.

Arthur stood in front of the window. Arthur resembled an ancient god . His hard body bathed in the sun's morning glow. Arthur's night pants hung on his trim waist. Gwen noticed her white nightgown hanging from a bedpost. Nervously, Gwen slid into her gown. Quietly, she slipped from the bed.

"Regrets, Gwen?"

"No, Arthur, I just wanted to prepare for the day, sire."

"Gwen, did I hurt you?"

"No, milord."

"Gwen, we're lovers. Stop calling me, sire and milord.

"Yes."

Arthur turned from the window. "Camelot is so peaceful in the morning. Quiet and strong."

"As soon as the sun is up; everything changes."

"So, you can move into the palace."

"Why, Arthur?". Gwen was confused. Why would I move into the palace? Where would I stay?

"You're my lover. You should live in the palace. Close to me."

Gwen shook her head. "No, I have a home."

"That' s unacceptable, now. You can't be the king's lover and live with Merlin."

"No."

Arthur's jaw clenched. Anger flared in his blue eyes. His back muscles twitched. Gwen bit her lip.

"What did you say?"

"I'm not moving into the palace. You can't make me." Gwen swallowed nervously.

"Yes, I can. I'm the king," Arthur replied curtly.

Gwen felt lost standing in her nightgown. Arthur's large arms folded against his bare chest. A harsh reality of her actions rose with the sun. " I will not be your mistress, Arthur Pendragon."

"Why?"

"It's not right."

"So, Gwen has a different moral code for herself. Was it right to share a house with Merlin? Was it right to share my bed last night? You can't change the rules, Gwen. Or make them up as you go along."

Tears streamed from Gwen's eyes. She shook her head in defeat. "I can't be your mistress. My mother was a mistress for a noble. It hurt everyone. I'm not ashamed of sharing your bed. I won't deny it or reveal it to anyone. I will not be your mistress. I didn't think about the potential consequences of my actions last night."

Arthur turned back to the window. Last night was wonderful. It felt right in his mind. He wasn't in the mood to deal with wishy washy Gwen. "Have a good morning , Gwen," Arthur responded coldly.

Gwen 's heart broke as she ran into Igraine's' chamber. Arthur heard the lock click. Arthur pounded his fist on the stone wall. His teeth clenched. Arthur strode towards the bed. He yanked the sheets from the bed. Arthur tossed them into the fireplace. Flames engulfed the sheets.

Merlin gave Aredian a brilliant smile. Aredian eyes flicked over the collection of herbs. He smiled dourly. He threw Merlin's burlap bag over his back. Aredian started towards the castle. Merlin was left to clean the camp area. Merlin hummed happily. Finally, a free moment from Aredian. Merlin trudged home . He noticed Gwen's shawl lying on a worn table. Merlin frowned. Why is Gwen home? He dropped his bag. Gwen was cocooned in her small bed. He brushed her curly hair. Merlin's heart clenched when he spotted a purple mark on Gwen's neck. He wiped drying tears from her eyelids. Merlin sank to the floor.

This is my fault. She wasn't strong enough. No, I couldn't have stopped it. Gaius claimed it was destiny. Merlin yawned as he stretched on the floor next to Gwen's bed. Merlin reached for Gwen's hand. He clasped and pulled it towards his tired body. Merlin fell asleep holding Gwen's hand, just like when they were children.

Gwen sat at the table. A cup of water in her hand. A scarf wrapped around her small neck. Her hands trembled slightly. Gwen rubbed her sad brown eyes. Merlin threw opened the door.

'Gwen, I have lunch for us. Took it from the palace. Chicken soup," Merlin exclaimed happily. Merlin placed a large bowl in front of Gwen. He rummaged around the kitchen for a couple of bowls and spoons. He slid in a chair across from Gwen. He ladled soup into a bowl and pushed it in front of Gwen.

"Eat it."

Gwen spooned soup into her mouth. Merlin passed her a piece of bread.

"I met fairies last night, Gwen. They collected my herbs. They said to come back and to bring you. Forgot to ask their names."

Gwen smiled. Her eyes closed. A single tear left her eye.

"Merlin, I need to tell you something."

"You can tell me anything."

"I went to Arthur's bed last night."

"Did he hurt you?"

"Not really. This morning was difficult"

"What happened this morning, Gwen?"

"Arthur was like, "You're my mistress. Move into the palace. I said no. I ran away. I don't want to be a mistress like my mother." Tears fell into Gwen's soup.

"Gwen, you're not your mother."

"I know."

Merlin grabbed her hand. "We will leave soon. Don't worry."

"In the summer."

"Gwen, do you love Arthur?"

"Yes, I shouldn't. I wish that I didn't."

Merlin grimaced. Arthur would leave in a few weeks. Gwen had to stay away from Arthur. Their journey didn't include any plans for Arthur's spawn. Hopefully, Gwen would be okay. A new life would make her forget Arthur.

"It's okay to love someone, just remember, Arthur's flawed. We are all flawed."

Gwen gave a little shake.

'It's a glorious day. Let's take a walk. The forest is lovely. Flowers are blooming. Green leaves are out. It will do us good to leave Camelot for awhile.

"Arthur, get dressed," Lancelot ordered. "It's midday."

Arthur sat in his black sleep pants. His blue eyes cloudy with regret. He didn't feel the chill on his bare chest.

"What's wrong with you, Arthur?"

"Nothing."

Arthur clambered out his chair. He walked towards his wardrobe to remove a tunic and pair of pants. Lancelot spotted a few red scratches on Arthur's back. A deep ache burrowed in Lancelot' stomach.

"Arthur, tell me that you didn't touch Gwen."

Arthur walked behind his changing board. He slipped on his clothes. Arthur grabbed a pair of boots.

"Lancelot, why do you care?"

"I'm just trying to help you. You seem distressed."

"Everything is fine."

"So, you held her this morning. Pushed away her fears. Helped her through the reality of the morning after."

"Not, really. I asked her to move into the castle."

"She's a nice girl. Nice girls aren't a King's lover. Kings have mistress. Cunning, calculating women in search of power. Did she understand your request?"

"She understands, now."

Lancelot rolled his head. "She had a breakdown, didn't she? Gwen's mother was my father's mistress. It was distressing time for Gwen. My father was obsessed with Gwen's mother. His death freed her mother. She was such an unhappy little girl. That's why she's so close to your mother, Merlin, and Leon. She ran to them."

"I never knew until this morning. She cried about her mother. She said she couldn't be my mistress."

"Arthur, we were horrid to Gwen and Merlin. They hid from us."

Arthur frowned. He waved his hands in defeat. "I didn't mean to hurt her. Last night was perfect. It was worth the five year wait."

"Well, it was really a game to you." Lancelot felt embarrassed. He read the situation wrong. He thought Arthur had genuine feelings for Gwen. Part of him, wanted to smack Arthur. A pit of sorrow filled Lancelot's stomach.

Arthur scowled. " It's over. Time to move on. No more games with Gwen."

"It's over?"

Arthur pulled his blue jacket from his wardrobe. "Yes."

Lancelot exhaled. " Just focus on Alined."

The smell of sweet grass filled the air. Robins chirped in the back room. The spring sun shone on Merlin and Gwen as they walked through the woods. A sudden wind whipped their hair around their faces. Gwen's dress lifted slightly. The woods grew cold as a dark cloud moved across the sky.

'Rain," Merlin yelled. "Run for cover." Merlin and Gwen ran for the trees. Rain drops never fell. A large grey dragon swopped out of the sky. Merlin clamped his hand on Gwen's mouth. H e shook like a bell. Merlin's heart raced. The dragon wiggled down into a grassy spot.

"Merlin, the dragon called, "come here."

Merlin froze.

"Don't be frightened, Merlin. Come here. Bring Gwen with you."

"Trust me, Emrys" Merlin and Gwen looked at each other.

"Gwen, there's a dragon sitting on the grass. A talking dragon."

"I know, Merlin."

"What should we do?"

"Go out. "

"Why?"

"Can it get worse?"

"Merlin, listen to her. I'm here to help.

Merlin clutched Gwen's hand. They peered around a few skinny trees.

'Come here, children."

Merlin and Gwen walked towards the dragon. It appeared to be smiling.

"I'm Kilgharrah, the great dragon. Emrys, you are my master."

Gwen felt Merlin's grip on her hand lessen. A loud thump hummed in the woods.

"Does he faint often?", Kilgharrah asked.

"A lot lately."

Lancelot banged on Morgana's door. "Morgana, Morgana, Morgana," Lancelot yelled. Fruit fell out of bowls. Morgana shook her dark hair. Morgana swore she heard Lancelot calling her name. She pressed deep into her bed. A steady banging shook Morgana awake.

"Morgana, please, I need you," Lancelot wailed. His hand thumping against the door.

Really, Lancelot, I'm trying to sleep. Morgan shoved her arms into her robe. She wiped sleep from her tired green eyes. She flung open her chamber door. Lancelot stumbled into her room. He reeked of wine and ale. His tongue licked his lips.

"Were you sleep?"

Morgana stood in amazement. Lancelot attempted to steady his swaying body. He clenched his dark hair.

"Yes, Lancelot, I was asleep. People sleep at night," Morgana spat.

"I'm sorry. I'm just needed to talk to someone. Can't look at Arthur. Leon wouldn't understand. I need to speak with you."

Tears flew from Lancelot's dark eyes. Morgana was shocked into silence. Lancelot seemed lost. Morgana closed her chamber door. She pushed Lancelot towards a chaise. Lancelot cowered. His body shook with tears. His wails agonized Morgana. Her elegant hands stroked Lancelot's dark hair.

"What's wrong, Lancelot?" Morgana implored softly.

"He touched her, Morgana. I thought he loved her. He doesn't care."

Morgana stiffened. It was late. She was tired. He didn't want to hear about Gwen. She really didn't want to hear Lancelot's declaration of love for Gwen.

"Lancelot, we knew it would happen. Why are you surprised? It was a matter of time."

"I encouraged him. I thought he would lose interest. I said ignore her. She'll come running. Honestly, I thought Gwen would move on. Or she would catch someone else's eye."

Morgana slapped Lancelot's head in frustration. "So, do you love, Gwen?"

"Yes, since the first time I laid eyes on her."

Morgana stood up enraged. Jealous fired in her green eyes. "Get out, Lancelot! I'm sorry, that Arthur took her virginity. Not my problem. You should have got there first."

Lancelot clutched Morgana's waist. He pulled her down to his chest. His heavy breathing filled her ear. Morgana struggled. Her hands slapped at Lancelot's body.

"No, she's my sister. Gwen is my sister. "

Morgan stopped struggling. Her eyes fluttered in shock. Lancelot was Gwen's brother. Morgan gathered Lancelot into her arms. Lancelot came to me for comfort. Another piece of ice dropped from Morgana's heart. She rocked him like a baby. Her fingers stroked his damp dark hair.

"Honesty, I thought he would lose interest. Gwen doesn't know. She thinks Tom is her father." Lancelot sobbed. His tears drenched Morgana's nightgown.

My father spotted Gwen's mother. He used Uther's law to force her into his bed. Gwen was born right after my fifth birthday. My father was so gleeful. He was connected to Gwen's mother. A lifelong bond."

"Why doesn't Gwen know?"

"Her mother married Tom. Tom claimed Gwen as his child. My father was enraged. He became obsessed with her mother and Gwen. It twisted his insides , to hear Gwen call Tom father. Igraine shielded Gwen. Her mother didn't have anyone."

Morgana , now, understood Igraine's attachment to Gwen."Tell me the rest."

"I remember her baby fingers clutching my hand. She would smile at me. Do you know that my father tried to give Gwen to my mother? Igraine intervened."

Lancelot murmured. Ramblings of a drunken man. "Arthur has the same gleam in his eye, like my father. I fear for Gwen, Morgana. What if I die in battle? Who will protect her?

Morgana rubbed Lancelot's quivering back. "I will protect Gwen. Don't worry. Leon will watch over her. She has Merlin. You're Lancelot. You never lose."

Lancelot coughed. "Thank you, Morgana. So, mad at Arthur. Furious. Enraged."

"I'll keep your secret, Lancelot."

'Thank you, again, Morgana"

Morgana removed Lancelot's boots. She draped a blanket over his sleeping body. She pressed a kiss on his sweaty forehead.

Oh, Lancelot, I too carried anger for Arthur. I hope you can come to terms for your emotions. Don't make foolish choices, like I did. I betrayed my family in a fit of anger. I betrayed Igraine, Arthur, Leon and you. Morgana cried herself to sleep.

Author's note: Lancelot loves Gwen. However, in my AU, Gwen is his sister. Had to keep something from the legend. Gwen came between Arthur and Lancelot. Morgana betrays Arthur.