Everything My Heart Needs
"Hello" Gwen greeted, spotting Morgana outside Uther's study by the clock. Morgana jumped, moving away from it. She felt like she was going to cry. "That clock hasn't worked in years" Gwen realised the ticking sound. "The suspension was just out of whack. Should be fine now" Morgana nodded. "You're amazing" Gwen breathed. "I've got to go make Christmas cookies, I promised the kids" Morgana muttered, hurrying away.
Gwen frowned, wondering what the matter was. Morgana looked absolutely heartbroken. Maybe she should have gone after her. After all it's what she would have wanted if she was in Morgana's shoes. But maybe she wanted to be left alone at the moment. Gwen sighed, staring at the newly revived clock.
In the evening, the haunted sound of a piano filled the palace. Mrs Birch and Abigail was sitting on the step eating cookies. "These are quite nice" Mrs Birch nodded. "Miss Le Fay made them" Abigail told her. "Lovely girl" Mrs Birch said. "I wonder what has gotten her to start playing again" Abigail frowned. "You mean who" Mrs Birch smiled.
Gwen was playing a piece when Floyd ran in. "What is it Floyd?" Gwen gasped, fingers pausing on the keys. "Sorry for the intrusion, My Lady. But I found it" Floyd announced, holding out the doll's head. "Excellent Floyd" Gwen beamed, running with it upstairs.
Gwen knocked excitingly on Morgana's door. "I believe we were looking for this" Gwen declared, when Morgana opened the door. "Thanks, Maddie will be thrilled" Morgana sniffled. "Are you alright?" Gwen frowned, looking at her in concern. "Yes, just something in my eye" Morgana waved away her concerns. "I'm fine" she assured, seeing worry pass Gwen's face.
"Was there anything else?" Morgana asked. "Yeah, I've been wanting to ask" Gwen nodded. Morgana raised an eyebrow. Ask her Gwen! Ask her if you should break up with Arabella? "There's controversy about the canapés. Shrimp quiche or salmon mousse" Gwen said. Stupid Gwen! "Which do you like?" Morgana questioned. "Shrimp quiche" Gwen smiled. "There you go then" Morgana grinned. "Thank you. Goodnight Morgana" Gwen whispered, gripping Morgana's hand.
Meanwhile, Milo was trying to pick his way into the locked room. He finally did it, and pushed the large doors open. It was dark inside, and cold. There were trophies and pictures on the desks. Everything was thick with dust. Milo picked up an archery award, Elyan's name on it.
"Elyan was the best you know. Your father" Arthur smiled, coming into the room. At first he had been angry, and then realised he shouldn't be. They hadn't known Elyan when he was younger. "Much better than me. Though don't tell anyone that. Archery isn't my thing. Sword work is" Arthur informed him, closing the window that must have blown open.
"Why do you keep it locked?" Milo asked. "I suppose it hurt to much to remember" Arthur sighed, sitting down lightly on a chair. "But this is all that's left of him. Why don't you want to remember?" Milo snapped.
"Everyday I wake up, and I try to remember. But his face keeps slipping further and further away from me. Pretty soon, if I don't keep trying, there will be nothing left" Milo revealed. "That's not true. The love he had for you will always be here. You're a lot like him" Arthur whispered, placing a hand on Milo's heart. "Really?" Milo breathed. "Yes, it's rather wonderful" Arthur nodded.
"Milo, I'm so happy that you, Maddie and Morgana have come for Christmas. I hope you all know that" Arthur smiled. Milo blushed, looking at his shoes. "How about we leave this door open from now on?" Arthur offered. "Okay" Milo grinned. "Come on, it's late and we've got a big day tomorrow" Arthur nodded, hugging the boy in front of him.
There was a rattling on Morgana's door. "I'm coming!" Morgana cried, rolling out of bed. "I'm sorry, did I wake you?" Mrs Birch asked, looking worried. "Is everything alright?" Morgana replied. "There's been a slight incident" Mrs Birch admitted. "Incident?" Morgana gasped, imagination conjuring up the worse possible images. Mrs Birch nodded, and pulled Morgana with her.
Abigail was crying, holding up Morgana's dress for the ball. "I'm sorry, I didn't know the iron was so hot" Abigail sobbed. "It's okay" Morgana soothed. "I don't know what you're blubbering about, Miss Le Fay hasn't got nothing to wear tonight" Mrs Birch snapped. Abigail nodded, sobbing even harder.
"What's that burning I can smell?" Paisley asked, coming into the laundry room. Abigail showed him the hole in the dress. "I say, that is a big one" Paisley murmured. "Thank you Paisley for your keen observation" Mrs Birch said sarcastically.
"What are you going to do? All the village's dress shops are closed for Christmas" Paisley told Morgana. "We'll have to repair it the best that we can" Mrs Birch shrugged. "Maybe this is a sign" Morgana sighed. "What do you mean?" Paisley frowned. "I shouldn't go to the ball?" Morgana mumbled. "My dear Miss Le Fay, if there wasn't for you, there wouldn't even be a ball" Paisley reminded. "It's nice of you to say, but I'll sit this one out" Morgana assured. Abigail started to cry again as Morgana walked back to her room.
"Oh cobblers! Well we have to do something. Now I've got an idea…" Paisley told Mrs Birch and Abigail.
The castle was getting ready for the ball. But Morgana was already packing. She desperately wanted to leave. She wasn't meant to be here. But she wouldn't ruin it for the kids. As soon as Christmas was over, they'd be back on a plane to Buffalo. However she would be leaving tonight. She had to, she couldn't stay here.
Gwen was getting ready, thanking Mrs Birch for zipping her dress. It was a lovely white sleeveless V neck dress with an empire waist. It was draped over the bust and waist. Gwen smiled, enjoying the feel of the exquisite dress. Her thoughts drifted to Morgana, wondering what she would be wearing. It was sure to be beautiful, no matter what Morgana wore she was beautiful.
"I still don't see why you're going home early" Milo frowned as Morgana did up his bow tie. "I have to go home and find a job. Besides you and Maddie will have a great time" Morgana grinned. Milo nodded sadly. "Anyway, I'll see you both when you get back" Morgana breathed, fixing his collar. "Aunt Morgana?" Milo muttered. "Yeah?" she replied. "You're pretty cool" Milo admitted. "Thanks Milo" Morgana smiled.
"Hey! There's my princess" Morgana cried, as Maddie came in, dressed in a beautiful white frock. She was still eating a packet of crisps though. "Maddie, we really have to put your snacks into moderation" Morgana chuckled, taking the crisps off her. "Why won't you come to the ball with us?" Maddie asked. "Next time sweetie" Morgana sighed. "But it's Christmas" Maddie pouted.
"Well I tell you what, we'll celebrate it when you get back. That way you'll have two Christmases" Morgana bargained. "Okay" Maddie shrugged, looking slightly happier. "Now do me a favour, say goodbye to your Grandpa and your Uncles and Aunty Gwen for me? Wait until I'm gone" Morgana said.
"Are you sure?" Milo questioned. "Yes. They've got the job of introducing you to Castlebury. Now stand up, let me see you" Morgana instructed. They both stood standing side by side. They looked like they were born into this life. "You look spectacular, now remember I love you both very very much. I know your parents will be so proud of you. And so am I" Morgana breathed, hugging them tightly.
She watched them go before she sat on the bed, tears pouring down her face. She would miss them. And probably everyone here, but she didn't belong. There was no denying that. Damn they had looked beautiful!
Morgana slipped into the taxi waiting for her as the guests arrived in their fancy chauffer driven cars. "It's the right choice" Morgana mumbled to herself. "Castlebury train station please?" Morgana requested to the driver. She looked at the long lines on cars waiting. If only she could be like one of them.
"Miss Le Fay?" Mr Birch called, bringing in a tray of tea. She didn't want the poor girl to be alone tonight. She noticed the hangers in the wardrobe was empty. "Morgana!" Mrs Birch shouted, slamming the tray down and running out the room.
"Where's your Aunt Morgana?" Gwen asked, as Merlin and Arthur was greeting everyone. "We're not supposed-" Maddie grinned. "Not yet!" Milo hissed. "Tell us what?" Gwen frowned, raising an eyebrow at them.
Floyd and Abigail was waiting for the car to pull up. "Just in the nick of time" Abigail breathed, grabbing the dress of the seat. "Hold it, get in! We're going to the train station. Morgana has gone" Mrs Birch cried, ushering them into the car. "Fast Gibson!" Mrs Birch ordered.
"… Lady Arabella" Paisley announced. Merlin groaned quietly into Arthur's ear. "Shush, these are my father's friends" Arthur hushed, stroking Merlin's back soothingly. "Lady Arabella, you're looking as beautiful as usual" Uther complimented. "Thank you, My Lord" Arabella nodded, before turning to Arthur and Merlin.
"Arthur" Arabella greeted. "It's My Lord" Arthur corrected quietly. Arabella sneered at him, before glaring at Merlin. "Arabella, it's nice to see you looking so elegant" Merlin smiled, eyes twinkling. "Hello Arabella" Gwen interrupted, knowing that Merlin and Arabella did NOT get on well. "Hello darling" Arabella grinned.
"Arabella, I've been trying to contact you. Why haven't you been returning my calls?" Gwen asked. "So sorry, I was so busy getting ready for the ball" Arabella apologised. "I said it was urgent" Gwen told her. "Stop being so dramatic!" Arabella sighed. "It's important, it can't wait!" Gwen said firmly. "Okay" Arabella breathed, letting Gwen lead her away.
"Morgana! Where are you going?" Mrs Birch demanded, spotting Morgana outside the train station doors. "Mrs Birch? I'm taking a train to the airport" Morgana frowned, wondering why she was here. "You left something behind. It's in the car, come on" Mrs Birch told her, leading Morgana to the car.
"Oh you're all here" Morgana smiled. "Yes, we got your ball gown" Mrs Birch nodded. "Oh that's so sweet. Were you able to fix it?" Morgana asked. "Not exactly" Abigail replied. "I'm sure it's fine. Thank you so much for doing this" Morgana beamed, taking the dress. "Don't step on it. At least have a look" Mrs Birch pleaded. Morgana nodded, opening up the bag.
It was a white dress with a belt and jewels on. "Oh that's not my dress" Morgana told them. "Oh yes it is. Paisley had it brought from Vienna" Floyd grinned. "Well, who paid for this?" Morgana gasped. "Every staff member pitched in" Abigail chuckled. "Come on, we must hurry. Morgana has a ball to get ready for" Mrs Birch beamed, pulling Morgana into the car.
"Was that the editor of French Vogue, talking to the Countess of whatever?" Arabella asked, redoing her make-up. "I don't know. Arabella, do you think we're right for each other?" Gwen questioned. "Of course, everyone says so. Even our parents think we're an ideal match" Arabella smiled, running a hand down Gwen's arm.
"What if I didn't hold a title?" Gwen interrogated. "Don't be silly darling" Arabella laughed. "You didn't answer my question" Gwen pointed out. "Well it's a stupid question. Fine, if you were a gardener, I wouldn't give you the time of day. Is that what you wanted to hear?" Arabella giggled. "Yeah" Gwen breathed, feeling like she had been hit by a sledge hammer.
"Why?" Arabella frowned. "Because we want different things. My life, doesn't fit with yours" Gwen told her. Arabella gasped at the woman in front of her. "Are you breaking up with me? No of course not! Everyone is expecting us to be engaged" Arabella mumbled. "I've never liked living up to others expectations. But I can't make you happy" Gwen sighed. "I don't care about being happy! I care about being a Princess" Arabella cried.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Morgana Le Fay of Buffalo" Paisley announced. There was shocked gasps from everyone as they looked at Morgana. The dress was actually blue with thin white material over it to make it look like it flowed. It was bejewelled from her shoulder down horizontally to her waist and then down her dress. Her hair was minimal: curled and tied up. She was absolutely stunning.
"Aunt Morgana! You're here" Maddie gasped, hugging her. "Cool dress!" Milo smiled. "Morgana, words fail me. You look breath-taking" Uther nodded, taking her hand. "Thank you, your Grace" Morgana nodded. "I think we should start the ball" Uther declared.
"Well children, how about a dance?" Arthur smirked, pulling Merlin onto the dance floor. "Sure!" Milo laughed, taking a young girl by the hand. "Jules?" Uther asked. "I think I'll stay right here" Morgana smiled. She watched as everyone danced, Uther with Maddie and Milo with a young girl. She bit her lip, edging herself around the room, and guessing the makers of such fine furniture and antiques.
"Henri Dasson" Morgana guessed, before turning the vase over and laughing at herself when she got it right. Gwen was watching her from behind, wondering once more at the uniqueness of Morgana. "Enjoying yourself?" Gwen teased, scaring Morgana. "I was just admiring your collection" Morgana blushed, looking embarrassed. "Ah, I see" Gwen smiled. "Well you know me and antiques, can't keep my hands off them" Morgana shrugged.
"No, you're right" Gwen breathed, looking Morgana up and down. "I haven't broken this one though, I'm trying hand not to be an embarrassment" Morgana remarked. "What do you mean?" Gwen frowned, wondering who had gotten the idea into the woman's head. "I overheard you and Uther in the study. I know you didn't want to invite me tonight. The crass girl with no title or fortune" Morgana sneered.
What? How could she think that? After everything that happened, Gwen didn't care about titles! Oh she meant… she meant Bunny. "You misunderstood us. We were talking about Bunny McCracken" Gwen explained, taking Morgana's hand so she wouldn't pull away. "Who?" Morgana frowned. "A dreadful, grizzly woman who eats small children and senior citizens" Gwen joked. She spotted her munching on the food. "She's over there" Gwen whispered.
"Morgana you must know… well perhaps you don't. I couldn't care less about your title. You're brilliant as you are. I find you're funny, smart and funky which is a unique combination" Gwen breathed, stroking Morgana's hand. "Thank you" Morgana giggled, looking down at the woman in front of her. "They're playing our song" Gwen smiled. "We don't have a song" Morgana reminded. "We do now, come on" Gwen told her, pulling her onto the dance floor.
Gwen pulled Morgana into her arms. "So I'm the leader then" Gwen chuckled. "For now" Morgana nodded, looking around her. "Gwen, they're talking about us" Morgana whispered. "That's what people do" Gwen shrugged, spinning Morgana around. "You're right" Morgana realised, enjoying herself.
Arabella's father went over to Uther. "You really need to keep a tighter reign on your daughter" he suggested. "What on earth are you talking about?" Uther frowned. "That!" Arabella's father snapped, pointing to Morgana and Gwen on the dance floor.
When they had finished, Morgana retracted herself from Gwen. "I need some air" Morgana mumbled, heading outside the ball room. "Of course" Gwen nodded, following after her. "You should go back in, I'm sure they're looking for you. I'll hang right here" Morgana sighed. "Then I'll stay with you" Gwen breathed, stepping closer to Morgana. "Is this alright?" Gwen asked, leaning her face closer. "Yeah" Morgana confirmed, as Gwen pushed their lips together softly.
"What about Arabella?" Morgana wondered. "That's over" Gwen soothed, cupping Morgana's cheek. "How?" Morgana asked. "You stole my heart" Gwen whispered, placing another soft kiss to Morgana's lips. "How did I do that? Yo're the Princess of Castlebury and I'm a poor girl from Buffalo" Morgana chuckled, not believing her luck. "Exactly, everything my heart wants" Gwen nodded. Morgana smirked, pulling Gwen closer so she could kiss her.
"This is an outrage! Princess Guinevere is cavorting with that strumpet! She's meant to be engaged to our daughter!" Arabella's father cried. Their was a few murmurings. "My daughter has a mind of her own" Uther shrugged. "Yeah we know all about your children and their fascinations with the great unwashed" Arabella's mother sneered. "Bite your tongue woman!" Uther snarled. "I am the Duchess van Belmont and I require for you to address me as such" Arabella's mother snapped.
"You may be a Duchess, but Morgana Le Fay is more of a Lady than you ever will be" Uther told her. Arabella's mother gasped out. "You obviously don't know the real Morgana Le Fay. She's only here after your money, anyone can see she can't manage those children" Arabella drawled, coming over. Arthur and Merlin came over to stand beside Maddie and Milo. "That's enough Arabella" Arthur growled.
"I did some personal research. Did you know Miss Morgana Le Fay was fired? Master Milo is in fact a collective maniac. Or that little Maddie is a trans-fat junkie!" Arabella revealed. "That is a lie!" Merlin snapped. "No in fact, Arabella's right" Morgana agreed, coming into the room to stand behind the kids.
"See, told you" Arabella smirked. "Milo did steal that video game, but he returned it. Maddie does have a temporary fascination with crisps. But we're fixing it. And I am currently unemployed but I hope for not too long because I really love working. I know I don't know a lot about parenting, but we don't need money to make us happy" Morgana declared, smile on her face.
"But these kids have had it rough. They deserve a chance of a family. Inconceivable as it may seem to you Arabella, that's the only reason we're here" Morgana shrugged, wrapping her arms around the pair. "Gwen, you don't honestly believe her?" Arabella scoffed. Gwen shared a look with Morgana, assuring her everything was fine. "Yes, I do" Gwen nodded, taking Morgana's hand.
"Surely Uther-" Arabella laughed. "So what? You say Morgana is a bad mother. I've been a lousy father. And an even worse father-in-law. So Morgana's lost a job, you have never worked a single day in your life. And if you ask me, Lady Arabella Marchand van Belmont? You're the one who is all fur coat and no knickers!" Uther snapped. "Well! Come on we're leaving!" Arabella's mother declared, storming out.
"Go Uther, I never thought you had it in you" Merlin congratulated. "Thank you, father" Gwen smiled. "No thank you, for putting up with an old fool" Uther sighed, hugging Gwen tightly. "Now it's time for my brotherly advice. Gwen be prepared" Arthur warned, straightening out his jacket. Merlin and Gwen rolled their eyes. "Don't let that one get away" Arthur instructed.
Gwen nodded, going over to Morgana who was talking with Milo and Maddie. "Can I borrow your Aunt Morgana for a second?" Gwen asked. "Sure" Milo grinned, pulling Maddie away. "Morgana, is it possible that you, Milo and Maddie will consider extending your stay here at Castlebury Hall?" Gwen breathed.
Uther shuffled over to Paisley, Mrs Birch, Floyd and Abigail who was in the corner. "Beautiful gown that Morgana's wearing" Uther stated. "Yes sir, excellent taste" they muttered. "I wonder where she obtained it from? I suppose if you want to be reimbursed you should produce a receipt for me for in the morning" Uther commented. "Come on, back to work" Mrs Birch smiled.
The clock stroke twelve in Castlebury Hall. "Children" Uther called, opening the door to the living room. "Santa!" Maddie breathed, spotting the red cloaked man putting down presents. "See Maddie, I was wrong. There is a Santa Claus" Milo smiled. "Come on" Maddie cried, pulling Milo over to Santa and hugging him.
"Where did all these presents come from?" Morgana gasped. "Well" Merlin and Arthur shrugged. "You're amazing!" Morgana breathed. "No you're amazing" Uther corrected. Uther looked sadly at the ground. "What is it father?" Gwen asked. "I just wish Elyan was here" Uther mumbled.
"He is, can't you see him in the joy in Milo's eyes. Or the sparkle in Maddie's smile. Elyan is here" Morgana assured. "So if my sister" Morgana added, smiling sadly. "You're so right, my dear. Gwen, this is a very wise girl. We shouldn't be lamenting, we should be celebrating" Uther said. "Come on guys, come see all the fireworks" Milo gasped.
So the following year saw Morgana and Gwen getting married at Castlebury Hall. It was a beautiful affair, and both brides looked stunning in their white dresses. Morgana threw the flowers and Mrs Birch caught it. Paisley kissed her kiss, making everyone laugh. So yeah, Paisley and Mrs Birch was now officially an item.
"Hello my Princess" Gwen beamed, getting into the carriage. "Hello, my sweet Princess" Morgana replied. "Sounds like we're in line for a throne somewhere" Morgana chuckled. "We are" Gwen nodded. "No! Really?" Morgana giggled. Gwen smiled, a twinkling in her eyes. Morgana pressed a kiss to Gwen's soft ruby lips.
It is true not all tales have happy endings. But for Morgana Le Fay, the dreamer from Buffalo. The story is just beginning.
This is the end guys! I hope you've enjoyed it :)
Drop me a review to tell me what you thought about it!
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