+Hey guys! Sorry I've been away again. But I'm hoping to stick to my consistant updates a little more now that school has settled down. Your reviews all really helped and thank you for your kind words. Merlin's super evil in this but I promise it'll all be explained soon! This is the longest chapter that I've done but it's worth it, I hope. I thoroughly enjoyed writing it so please let me know if you enjoyed reading it! Reviews spark my muse so much and I love you all, thank you for sticking with me!+

The thumping on her door startled the young ward as she stood from her vanity table and opened the door, smiling instantly as she saw the face on the other side. "Arthur...To what do I owe this disturbance?" she teased, quirking her brow but she stopped immediately when she saw the look on his face. He was flushed, his eyes were fixed firmly on her, his hands were shaking. "What is it? What's wrong?" she asked, moving to take his hand but he pulled away and walked past her, closing the door quickly behind her. "-Arthur, you're frightening me, what is it?"

Arthur took in a few breaths, releasing them slowly before he stepped forward, taking her hands in his. "My father's blaming all of-...this on sorcery, Morgana. He's ordered for a witchfinder to be brought to Camelot." He knew that no more words needed to be said as a gasp escaped Morgana's lips. He felt her hands tremble lightly in his and it sent a twinge to his heart. "I'll not let him harm you, Morgana. I'll keep you safe, just as I always have." He raised his hand to cup her cheek. "Just as I always will." He smiled sincerely at her even though it faltered quickly when he saw the tears in her eyes. Whenever she cried, it broke his heart. He could feel her pain through and through and so, he wrapped his arms around her. "He won't find you," he said firmly, pressing his face into her hair. "I'd rather die than have anyone find out."

"I know," Morgana said, smiling softly up at him even though there was a doubt pulling at the back of her mind. She trusted Arthur, of course she did. She trusted him more than anyone in the entire kingdom but the fear that was crippling her was proving too much to bear. "I trust you," she continued softly, reaching up to cup his cheek.

"Good," Arthur grinned down at her, trying to stop the tremoring in his heart but to no avail as he leant down to press a kiss to her forehead. When he pulled back, his expression was far more serious. "He'll be here within the hour. We must be prepared."

Morgana nodded, her tongue flicking out to gently moisten her lips as her teeth worried her lower lip in between them before releasing it. "As long as I have you, I will be," she whispered, turning from him and moving to stand by the window as she looked out for the witchfinder's arrival.

Arthur moved to stand by her side and they did not move until they saw a dark carriage come into the courtyard.

Morgana's breath caught in her throat as she saw the back of the carriage was in the form of a cage, all manner of torture devices hanging from the top of it.

Arthur, too, it seemed has spotted it as he felt his heart turn to ice. But he had to remain strong; for Morgana. He reached an arm up and wrapped it around her shoulders, pulling her into his side. "You'll be safe," he said once more, his voice firm and unquestionable.

Morgana nodded into his chest, letting out a sigh into his tunic. She didn't move her gaze from the witchfinder as he dropped down to the floor, however, his face shrouded in darkness by the simple hat he wore. But then, his face was revealed to them as he looked up, immediately locking eyes with the young ward. She gasped and hastily backed away from the window; hardly the subtlest of movements but she couldn't help herself. The way he looked at her-...it was if he already knew. Which was ridiculous but there was something about it that didn't sit right with her.

The way that Morgana had shot back terrified Arthur as he glared down at the witchfinder before hastily drawing the curtains of her chambers so that he couldn't bother his lady any further. "I'll tell them you're ill," he said, turning to her and cupping her shoulders in his hands. "You won't have to speak with him, Morgana. You'll barely notice he's here. I'll stop him. You'll be safe." He let out a gentle sigh as he saw her face; so distant as if she was entirely locked in her own thoughts. Once again, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'll be back tonight. Do not open your doors for anybody other than Gwen and I. I'll tell her everything when I next see her."

His fingers lifted to brush a lock of her beautiful ebony hair from her face before he stepped from the room, catching her eyes at the last moment before he closed the doors of her chambers and made his way to the throne room where he would have to greet this man who could-...who could ruin everything. But he wouldn't let him.

The witchfinder chuckled to himself before he strolled arrogantly up the steps and into the throne room.

Uther stood with a wide grin on his face, extending his arms graciously as he saw the witchfinder step into the throne room. "Ah, Alvain..." he greeted with a warm smile as he shook his hand. "Camelot welcomes you with open arms. Especially in such a trying time as thi-"

He was cut off as the doors swung open once more, the young Prince stepping through them. He cleared his throat, giving a polite bow of his head. "Forgive me, Father. I was delayed. Sir." His eyes met with Alvain's as he bowed his head once more.

Uther frowned but kept a gritted smile on his face. "That's quite alright, Arthur. Now, where is Morgana?" he asked, quirking a brow.

"That is where I have been, sire," Arthur said nonchalantly as he stepped forward so that he was standing next to his father. "Morgana has fallen ill. She'll need as much rest as possible. I fear she'll not be able to join us tonight."

Alvain's brow quirked with interest. "She seemed alright just a moment ago, young prince. Perhaps you were mistaken." His eyes glinted dangerously as he looked at him, a smirk playing on her lips.

Uther's confusion only increased as he turned his attention to the witchfinder once more. "You've already met my ward?"

"Well, I would not say we've met," Alvain said, looking at his nails with disinterest. "I spotted her looking out of the window. She looked perfectly healthy to me if a little taken aback by the sight of me."

"Well, I can assure you, sir, that you were mistaken. She is unwell," Arthur insisted, his eyes blazing with a silent fury. "I've been tending to her all afternoon and she's not well enough to greet you. She sends her apologies and her best wishes to you."

Uther noted the tension between the two and quickly wrapped his arm around Alvain's shoulder, gesturing for him to follow him to the dining hall. "Forgive my son, old friend," he said, shooting a look back to Arthur. "He's rather protective of my young ward. They've grown up together, you understand."

"Young love, I see..." Alvain mused quietly with a small nod as he left the room; not without sending a smirk towards Arthur. "How wonderful."

Morgana's pale fingers toyed with the edges of her sheets as she sat up in bed, her eyes sore from the unshed tears. She had done as Arthur had asked and had locked the doors of her chambers but she could not sleep no matter how hard she tried. The look that he had given her; he knew, she was sure of it. Arthur had told her what she had been found with so it was certain in Camelot that someone did know her secret. Who better than a witchfinder?

Her breath felt constricted in her chest as she tried to press her head back into the pillow before she was startled by a knock at her door. Childishly, she held the covers closer to her face, unwilling to make any sort of sound before she breathed a sigh of relief when she heard the only voice she trusted now - 'Morgana, it's alright. It's me. It's Arthur.' She swung her legs out of the bed before padding her way over to the door, unlocking and opening it quickly, eager to be reunited with him once more.

As soon as he saw that perfect face of hers, he took her in his arms, holding her tightly to his chest. He saw the flushed cheeks and the bloodshot eyes that showed she had been crying. And it tore him apart. Reluctantly, he released her and looked behind him before quickly stepping inside of her chambers. "They believed me," he said once she closed the door. "Well-"

"Well what?" Morgana pushed when he stopped, her eyes widening slightly.

"Alvain, that's his name. He-...he saw us together. In your chambers. He saw you. But I think I silenced him. No, I know I silenced him," he said, his jaw set in determination.

Morgana nodded, trying to remain strong but-...Gods, it was proving difficult. She was terrified and now, she was already under suspicion. A light whimper escaped her lips instead of words as once again, he pulled her to his chest.

"He won't find you, Morgana. I'll make sure of it."

The pair were so wrapped up in each other that they did not notice the small crack in the door through which Merlin was gazing through, a wry smirk on his lips. He had them right where he wanted. The young witch was terrified and he could tell by the tense muscles that the Prince was the same. He would stop this-...sickening love affair they had started if it was the last thing he did.

His eyes glanced over Morgana's wrist which had a large silver bracelet hanging from it. He knew it well; her father had bought it for her when she was young. She didn't let it go; not ever. She never let it out of her sight. But this was no mere bracelet. He had known that from the moment he laid eyes on it; it was magic. It was a healing bracelet that the old fool, Gorlois, had given her in an attempt to stop her nightmares. To no avail. It once worked when he was alive but since he had died, his magic had dwindled. And it was precisely what he needed for Morgana to be found out. But he had to be careful how to get it away from her.

So, he waited until the couple had retreated to her bed.

Arthur wrapped his arms around Morgana, his blue eyes wide as he watched out for any intruder.

It was no problem for Merlin, though. He simply whispered a spell, dragging his hand down through the air as he saw Arthur's eyes growing dimmer and dimmer until he, too, fell asleep. Slowly, he crept into her chambers, tip-toeing over to Morgana's side. He grimaced down at her; he would not rest until he stopped her. His spindly hand reached down and carefully slipped the bracelet from her wrist, the metal of it dragging against her skin and stirring her but not fully waking her. A smirk made its way across his face as he turned and slipped out of the chambers as if he had never even been there.

"And you are certain it is the Lady Morgana's?" Alvain asked, his brow tightening. The young serving boy had asked for him to meet him in the dungeons beneath the castle; assuring him it would be worth his while.

"Indeed. I found it earlier in her chambers when I was cleaning them. It's magic, isn't it?" Merlin asked, his eyes widening with mock-innocence. The last thing he needed was for himself to accidentally be caught up in all of this mess.

"Yes, I'm afraid it is, dear boy," Alvain said even though a smile was making its way across his face. "You did the right thing to bring this to me. And I can assure you, you'll be rewarded."

Dread pulled at Merlin's heart as he shook his head. "No, no. I seek no reward. I just don't want my master to be harmed. Please, don't tell anyone this was me. I fear what she may do to me." Ever the actor, he made his voice tremble and Alvain softened.

"Of course, Merlin. It'll remain anonymous."

"Thank you, my lord," Merlin said, a smile lighting his face as he bowed and hastily retreated; his innocent smile merging into a smirk. His job was done. And the Dragon would be proud of him.

Arthur let out a sleepy grumble as he stretched out his muscles, hands reaching above his head. He smacked his lips sleepily before he turned to see a sight that immediately brought a smile to his face. Morgana was sleeping soundly beside him, her hand curled on his chest as her head rested on his shoulder. He leant down to press his lips to her forehead as he tightened his arms around her, illiciting a small mumble from her and yet she did not wake. It was rare to see her like this; so peaceful, so calm. As if nothing could touch her. Especially after the previous days, it was a shock to see. All the same, he would not be the one to ruin it.

However, it seemed that someone else wished to as there was a light knock on the door. He tightened his arms even more, eyes alert before he relaxed when he heard Gwen's quiet voice. Slowly, he disentangled himself from Morgana's embrace before padding his way to the door.

He opened it, greeting Guinevere by pressing a finger to his lips. "Morgana's asleep..." he whispered, closing the door as quietly as possible. "What is it, Guinevere?"

Gwen couldn't hide the smile on her face as she saw the sleep-tousled hair on the Prince's head that indicated that he had clearly stayed the night in her chambers. "Ahem," she cleared her throat, lowering her gaze. "I came looking for you, actually, my lord. The witchfinder wishes for you to meet him in the castle gardens. He says he has something to show you." Her face had faltered slightly, a frown making its way onto her features but he simply nodded.

"Very well," he said, peeking through the door back at Morgana's sleeping form. "Stay with her?"

Gwen smiled kindly up at him. "Always, my lord."

He smiled back at her, giving her shoulders a small squeeze before making his way down to the gardens, his hands raising to his blonde hair to sort it out.

As the witchfinder came into view, the previous joviality of the morning soon slipped away as he stepped towards him. "You asked to see me," he stated firmly.

"Ah, young Arthur Pendragon. Good morning," Alvain said, smiling coldly at him as he gestured for him to take a seat on the fountain. "Please, sit."

"There's no need, I'll not be staying long," Arthur retorted sharply.

"Oh, I believe I'll be judge of that," Alvain said, all manner of respect cast aside as he studied the Prince's expression. "How is the Lady Morgana feeling this morning?"

Arthur's teeth ground against each other before he snapped, "Do not waste my time. What is it you want?"

Alvain raised his eyebrows, pulling his lip into his mouth with a small smirk. "Your temper could rival your father's, young prince. But you are right; this is not the time for idle chitchat. Not when there is a sorcerer wreaking havoc across the kingdom. But you needn't fear; I've found the culprit."

Arthur's eyes widened and he took a step forwards. "You've-...you've found the sorcerer?"

Alvain nodded, hands moving to his pockets.

"Well? Who is it?" Arthur demanded, his words slipping through his teeth in a hiss.

"The Lady Morgana," he replied arrogantly, raising his chin and biting back a chuckle as he saw the look in the future King's eyes.

"You're-...you're mistaken," Arthur stuttered, his heart hammering inside of his chest. "Morgana is no sorceress. What evidence could you possibly have to make you believe that?"

But his question was answered all too quickly as Alvain lifted his hand to reveal Morgana's healing bracelet inside of his palm. Alvain restrained himself from chuckling as he saw the look on his face. "Yes, indeed. A healing bracelet. An enchanted one, at that. An anonymous source gave this to me; said they knew that it was the Lady Morgana's. Apparently, she's had it her whole life. Right under the King's nose."

"Who gave you this?" Arthur demanded, his voice shaking slightly no matter how hard he tried to stop it.

"Ah, now they wouldn't be an anonymous source if I told you, would they?" Alvain chuckled.

"I am your prince," Arthur hissed, fists clenching at his side.

"And you'll do nothing to me if Morgana is in danger, now, will you?" Alvain asked, his voice cold and as firm as Arthur's.

It took all of his self restraint to not strike the witchfinder down where he stood but Arthur simply took in a deep breath. "What do you want?" he whispered.

"Want?" Alvain repeated, laughing to himself. "No, dear boy, I wish for nothing. My trade is in finding witches. And find her, I shall." He turned from Arthur with a small smirk but was soon pulled back as Arthur gripped him by the scruff of his neck, pulling him straight up to his face. Before he could threaten him, Alvain raised a finger. "Ah, I would not do that. I've sent word to my men and your father as to the fact that I am to meet with you. If I am harmed, they'll know it was you. And dear Uther will find out the truth about his sweet ward anyway."

Arthur took in a few breaths through gritted teeth in an attempt to calm himself but to no avail before he released the witchfinder. "If anything happens to her, I'll make you suffer for it," he said but Alvain merely shrugged as he walked away, leaving the Prince to stew in his own temper. He let out a growl of frustration as his fist hammered against the fountain, bloodying it immediately.

Soon enough, a court meeting was called and Alvain was standing at the front of the hall, his arms extended with Morgana's bracelet dangling from one of his fingers. "This bracelet has been the cause of the plagues that have been riddling your kingdom," he declared, his voice bouncing off of the walls. "And it belongs to-"

"It's mine!" Arthur shouted, standing from his chair in a movement so quick that it fell back, clattering loudly and echoing throughout the hall.

Everyone turned to face the young prince before Uther burst into laughter. "Arthur, it is jewellery. I hardly think it is-"

"I bought it for Morgana from a-...from a sorcerer, sire. I wanted-...I wanted to help her with her nightmares and that was the only way I could think to do so..." he trailed off, biting his lip as he looked anywhere but his father's piercing eyes. He noted Alvain's smirk but he could care less; all he cared about was the disappointment that soon riddled the old King's expression as he stepped towards his son.

He took his wrist in his hand, a frown crossing his scarred forehead. "Tell me it's not true..." he begged quietly.

Arthur remained firm, jaw set. "It's true, Father."

Uther let out a ragged sigh, releasing his son as he pressed his fingers against his forehead.

"My lord, you know what the punishment is for sorcery," Alvain insisted, stepping forward but he was brushed aside by the King.

"He shall be whipped for his impudence but I'll be damned if I sentence my own son to death," he snapped, pointing a finger in Alvain's face. "Take care what you suggest, old friend. My son-...always comes first." And with that, the King gestured for the guards to take him away before he stormed from the throne room.

Merlin sat with a cocky grin on his face as he toyed with the food in his bowl, arrogantly scooping it up into his mouth. This plan went better than he could have dreamed. The sickening love between the two of them played out just as he imagined; but he knew that it was not the end. Morgana would learn of what had happened to Arthur and knowing the witch's quick temper, she would reveal herself. For he knew as well as she that she would never let anything happen to Arthur. Not because of her.

Soon enough, his thoughts were confirmed as Morgana came storming into his chambers, her eyes wide and rabid; hair entirely messed up.

"Morgana, you're looking well," Merlin said, hiding a smirk as he turned to greet her. "I take it you've heard what happened." He forced his expression to soften as his brow furrowed and he reached out a comforting hand for Morgana to take; which she did in a rapid motion.

"You cannot let him take the blame for this, Merlin. You must help me."

"What more can we do, Morgana? He admitted it to the court," Merlin implored, raising his eyebrows as his heart pumped with excitement. She was all too predictable.

She nibbled on her lip for a moment before nodding as if she had silently concluded something within her thoughts. "I'll tell everyone. I'll reveal myself. That way, he won't be harmed."

Merlin widened his eyes in mock-shock. "But, Morgana-...Uther was only lenient to Arthur, he may not do the same to you."

"I don't care. If it means I'll die then so be it. I'll not let him get hurt for me, Merlin," she said determinedly and when he looked as if he was going to protest, she held out a hand. "I've made my mind up. I'll go speak with Arthur and then I'll-...I'll tell Uther." Her voice shook slightly but she fought to keep it stable as she looked at him. "It's the only way, Merlin."

'Reluctantly', he gave her hand a squeeze and stepped back. "Who am I to stand in the way of love?" he asked, making Morgana smile softly as she stepped forward and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, Merlin. You are a good and loyal friend."

For a moment, Merlin's hard exterior faltered but he simply smiled; something pushing back the coldness that had taken over his heart.

Twiddling her pale fingers nervously, Morgana made her way down to the dungeon where they were holding Arthur when something made her stop. She could hear a distant voice; one that she recognised all-too-well and then an unfamiliar one. That of the executioner and someone else. She slowly stepped towards the door, pressing her ear to it.

"This is treason, m'lord, I think I'll need more than a few coins," the executioner mumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.

Alvain rolled his eyes, flicking a few more coins into his hand. "Make it look good. I swear that you'll not be punished for this. I'll protect you as will my men." A cruel smirk crossed over his features. "The old fool will not see it coming. He'll be so distraught with the loss of his son that Camelot will be easily taken. My master will surely be happy."

Morgana's chest felt constricted as he spoke; he planned to kill Arthur. She could not let that happen but she knew that she was at a loss. If she was to reveal herself to be a sorceress, she would be killed only to leave Alvain with Arthur to find some other way to kill him. Eyes wide and breath escaping her chest raspily, she ran from the door back up to her chambers where she knew Gwen would be waiting for her. She had to think about the best thing to do and she knew that Gwen would be able to help her see sense.

The morning of Arthur's public whipping came and Morgana had not slept a wink. She was looking out of the window, arms folded over her chest as she saw the platform be built up for the proceedings. It made her feel sick that Uther would allow this to happen to his child but she could not think about that right now. She was focussed on saving him from being killed.

Her thoughts were broken, however, as Merlin came crashing in through her chambers.

"What are you doing?" he demanded, far sharper than someone of his position should have been talking to a lady of Camelot. "I thought you were going to-"

"Plans change, Merlin," Morgana snapped as she strolled past him, pulling on her cloak. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to tend to the King." She stormed past him, hands fisted at her side in determination as she made her way to the viewing balcony to accompany Uther.

She slowed her pace, however, as she realised that she was supposed to have been recovering from some sort of violent illness. "Morgana," Uther greeted warmly, taking her hand as she stepped out into the open air. "It's wonderful to see you out and about once more. May I introduce Alvair?" he asked, turning to reveal the witchfinder.

Morgana's jaw tightened and she scrunched up her nose in that fashion that she only did when she was angered. All the same, she offered him a polite smile. "My lord. It's a pleasure to meet you. I only wish it were under different circumstances," she said, quirking her brow as she gave a small bow of her head.

"Well, we cannot control everything. And it seems we certainly cannot control a young prince. Although I'm certain that will change soon enough..." he trailed off with a smirk, wiping it away as he caught the look Uther was giving him.

"Bite your tongue, old friend. He is still your prince no matter how stupid he may have been," Uther snapped as Morgana smirked over at the witchfinder. He would get his justice soon enough.

They were all distracted, however, as the doors beneath them opened and Arthur was dragged out by the guards. The sight sent a quiver of fear running through Morgana but she had to remain strong. She raised her chin in an attempt to fight back the tears that were dangerously making their way to the surface as she watched him be dragged up the steps.

The executioner ripped open the back of Arthur's tunic, wrapping the whip around his wrist in preparation as he looked up at the King.

"For the crime of meddling with sorcerers, I sentence you to twenty three lashings. One for every year of your life to knock some sense into you," Uther called, nodding his head in confirmation.

However, before the executioner could bring down the whip, Morgana's eyes glinted golden and she whispered a spell. The magic caused the whip to wrap around the executioner's leg, pulling him to the floor and dragging him down the steps; knocking him unconscious. If it was in another situation, Morgana would have laughed at the comical look of such a burly man rendered so useless. But she was quickly dragged from her thoughts as she heard Uther's chair scrape back, a hand resting on the stone.

"Sorcery..." he gasped, gesturing for his guards to go and find the culprit but Morgana interrupted.

"It was Alvair, my lord!" she cried, her eyes widened with fear as Alvair looked down on her in dismay. "I heard him incant the spell. It was him! He's a sorcerer!"

"My lord, please-"

"Silence! Arrest him!" Uther shouted; he trusted Morgana with everything that he was. So if she said that the witchfinder was a sorcerer then he believed her.

Morgana looked down at Arthur who was looking up at the balcony in wonder before she winked at him, only to be met back with a grin. The couple always could communicate without words and that was precisely what they had just done.

However, it was wasted as Alvair had noticed it. He growled lowly, "It was you!" before he grasped her upper arms and pulled her to his chest, whipping a dagger from his belt and holding it to her neck.

"Morgana!" Arthur shouted from the courtyard as she gasped in the shock of it, the cool metal pressing against her skin.

"Camelot will fall, mark my words!" Alvair shouted, declaring it to the entire kingdom. "And it begins with her blood!" He re-directed his attention to Morgana as he moved to cut her throat but then he noticed-...something remarkable. Her eyes were glowing golden and then he felt all control over his hand become useless.

"Go to hell," she hissed before she raised her foot only to bring the heel down on his foot, causing him to stumble enough for her to push him down off of the balcony.

The crowd gasped and screamed in horror at the bloodied pile on the floor but Uther could care less as with a breathed 'Morgana...', he held his ward tightly in his arms; grateful that she was still there for him to do so.

That evening, after everything had been cleared up (as well as Arthur's name), Morgana sat in her chambers, brushing her ebony locks as she let out a sigh of relief. For once, everything had gone to plan. For once, she and Arthur could sleep in peace. She smiled softly at the thought of her saving him for once before she was pulled from her thoughts when she heard a light knock at her door. "Come in," she called softly, turning her attention back to her vanity.

When she saw Arthur's reflection in the mirror, however, she pulled back and stood from the seat. "Arthur!" she breathed excitedly before with a relieved laugh, she ran into his arms.

Eagerly, his strong arms wrapped around her form, burying his face in her neck. He breathed in her scent - lavender - as he, too, let out a laugh. He pulled back after a few moments, brushing some hair from her face. "Thank you," he said sincerely, the same hand cupping her cheek. "You saved me."

Morgana smiled up at him, hands still resting on his waist. Remembering the familiar quote, she said, "It's not everyday a girl gets to save her prince."

Normally, he would have retorted but he simply held her closer. He wasn't sure whether it was simply the thrill of being alive that confirmed what he had been feeling for so long or whether it was the way her eyes danced in the candlelight but for once-...the Prince was stunned to silence. "Not it's not..." he whispered, his blue eyes locking her emerald ones as slowly, he craned his head down towards her. After what felt like centuries, he pressed his lips to hers delicately, relishing in the soft feeling of them as slowly, she began to kiss him back. It was gentle, carressing, soothing. It was Morgana.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, her eyes closed in a moment of pure bliss as she held her Champion.

After a few moments, he pulled back and looked her in the eyes once more, a glimmer of a smile playing on his lips. No more words needed to be said other than. "Goodnight, Morgana." As he whispered, he bowed and pressed his lips to her pale fingers before offering her a wink as he strolled from her chambers.

And for once, Morgana could not have been more excited to go to sleep. For sleep would bring dreams of Arthur.