Guys, we are on the penultimate chapter, and what a chapter it is.

I had so much that I wanted to put in this chapter, lining it up for the finish, that it kinda got a little out of hand. But it is better for you guys. A nice long chapter to distract you that this story and trilogy is coming to an end (believe me I am happy and sad about it at the same time).

Anyway, thank you for the reviews and hopefully, you enjoy this chapter.


Chapter 19

They weren't wandering around in the dark for long when they saw daylight. They took things slowly as they exited the darkness. As soon as they were out, Merlin recognised where they were.

"The Castle of Drugonia is only a day's ride that way." He said, pointing east.

"Is it?" Morgana asked.

"We are finally home."

"Well, how about you call one of your dragons so that we can get back there," Arthur said.

Merlin looked down at Morgana and smiled while shaking his head.


"Are you hurt?" The physician asked.

Morgana turned her head as Merlin pulled his tunic over his head. He hissed in pain and she found it unbearable. This was her husband, someone that she thought was so strong. He seemed like a shell of his former self but she thought that she would be the same way if someone had taken her magic away from her. He hadn't told anyone yet but she knew that it was what had happened.

"And..." He started but couldn't finish.

She looked up and locked eyes with her husband.

"She did do it. She bound your magic." Morgana said.

The burn on his front was nothing compared to the sad look and defeated nod of his head.

"What happened Emrys?" The dragon asked.

"I don't think I deserve that name anymore."

Morgana wanted to dismiss them both and take her husband into her arms. She wanted to just love him. It was what she should have done after Balinor died. Nimueh had now taken two precious things from him.

Merlin sighed. "She blew something into my face. As I was trying to rub it out of my eyes, she began chanting. Once I realised what was happening, it was too late. My magic was useless. I don't know whether what she blew into my face was just a distraction or something that helped out."

"Where is Nimueh?" The dragon asked.

"Gone I presume. A Questing Beast entered as we were escaping. We heard her screams."

"Have you tried to use your magic?" The physician asked.

Merlin turned to Morgana before he held out his palm. She didn't want him to do it, just in case it didn't work but she wished to the Goddess that it did as he said the spell.

"Forbearnan."

He said the spell a couple of times, getting more desperate each time. Morgana stepped forward and grabbed his hand, stopping him from trying again.

"I would recommend a trip to the crystal cave. It is the birthplace of magic and as you are one of it's sons, it may reverse the damage done. In the meantime, I think we should leave you to rest. I will speak with the dragon council about the matter."

As the dragon left, Morgana turned to the physician.

"We have some things to discuss, I can heal his wounds as you say my gift is in healing magic."

The physician nodded before bowing and leaving.

"Oh, Merlin." She said, bring him into a hug.

She felt him wrap his arms around her tightly and buried his head into her shoulder. The tears fell and she could only wish that she knew exactly how he was feeling. It brought tears to her eyes.

"Here is the plan." She said, pulling back to look at him. "We are going to rest and recover from what happened. Then you are going to take your rightful place and I will take mine by your side. Then, and only then, will we work out how to sort out this mess that Nimueh made."

He nodded. "What truth did she tell you?"

"That Ygraine was barren and Arthur was born of magic. She told Arthur that I was actually Uther's daughter. That man ruined so many lives."

"Now I know where you get your stubbornness and quick temper from." He joked.

"If anyone is stubborn, it is you, Merlin Wyllt."

They managed to be able to smile at each other, even if it was only for a few moments.

"Morgana, we have spent so much of our marriage apart. Can we start spending it together?"

She looked down at the burn on his chest and brush her fingertips over it. She allowed her magic to provide the spell needed.

"I am never leaving your side again."


Merlin jittered about as he waited to be called for his coronation. He probably would have been playing with the buckle of his cloak had Drystan not already batted his hand away a number of times and giving him a look at could kill.

It was only two weeks ago that they had finally returned to Drugonia but no one wanted to wait around any longer for the coronation. Merlin wanted to get this over and done with now. He had his time of mourning. It was time for his reign to start.

"Sire."

Merlin jumped up before taking a deep breath. This was it. This was the beginning of his reign. He smoothed down his tunic before following the servant. He took another deep breath as he reached the doors. As the door open, he rolled his head up tall and started to walk. Everyone bows as he passed their row. His mother looked beautiful as she stood where she used to sit with his father. He knew this was a big day for her as well. Finally, the running of the kingdom didn't fall on her shoulders, but his and Morgana's. She would still be his greatest advisor. He knelt down on the cushion.

She said her bit as did he and relief washed over him when at once, the crown sat comfortably on his head. He looked up at his mother and smiled before he stood up and looked out to his subjects.

"May Morgana Wyllt please enter." He said in a commanding voice.

It would never stop amazing him at how beautiful Morgana could look. He knew that he could easily spend the rest of his life with her. There was no doubt about that. As she knelt, he knew that the dragons had made the right choice for him. He picked up the crown.

"By the sacred laws vested in me, I crown you. Morgana, Queen of Drugonia." He said as he placed the crown on her head.

She smiled widely up at him as she took his hands and stood. They took their places on their thrones before the chamber filled with cheers of 'Long live the King' and 'Long live the Queen'.


Arthur let his breath out slowly before he turned the corner. He had already seen Gwen walking down the corridor and he knew that it would be now or never. He was returning to Camelot in the next couple of days. He needed to ask her now.

"Guinevere." He said as they walked closer to each other.

"Arthur, how may I be of assistance?" She said as she stopped.

"I just… I want to… say that… are you happy in Drugonia?"

"Yes, why?"

He kicked himself internally and just told himself to spit it out. "I have been asked to find a wife. There have been many suggestions floating about but I couldn't write a single letter to invite them to Camelot because I wasn't sending it to the only person that I think I want to be by my side."

"Arthur?"

"Guinevere, I know you have this thing with Lancelot and I wouldn't want to come between that, but I have seen how Merlin and Morgana are and part of me wants to be selfish and have something like that. I am leaving for Camelot soon. I would be honoured if you graced me with your presence and returned with me. However, I know that you have your place here. Whether you are in Drugonia, with Lancelot, Morgana, and Merlin or in Camelot with me, I will respect your choice."

He knew by the expression on her face that what he had just said had overwhelmed her. He now wished that he never said anything.

"Arthur, I..." She started.

"Just think about it, please," Arthur said before he walked off.

He felt like an idiot but there was still a part of him that thought that she might just come back with him. Only time would tell if she did or not.


"Merlin." Morgana said as she watched them pack up.

Merlin left his horse and Drystan walked up to finish what he was doing. With nothing else working, it was decided that Merlin, Lancelot and Gwaine would return to Camelot with Arthur before turning off to the Valley of the Fallen Kings to head to the Crystal Cave to see if that would give Merlin his magic back. This was the last chance that they had.

"Morgana."

"This isn't going to be a request but more of an order. You are to return, safe and unharmed."

"Morgana?"

"I… I am not one to say my emotions but I need you Merlin and maybe now more than anything else."

She watched as his eyes scanned hers for answers. She knew that it would have to be announced at some point but she wanted a period of time when only their close circle knew. She leant forward.

"I am with child." She whispered into his ear.

She loved the smile on his face when she pulled back.

"As the lady commands." He said with a little bow. "Will you be okay?"

"I have your mother and my sister and Mordred. I think I have enough people around me like you have around you. Just come home, preferably with your magic."

"I will."

Merlin ran back to his horse and jumped onto it quickly. The speed that they all left the courtyard showed his impatience. Although there was nothing more than Morgana would like than Merlin to be by her side again.