Hope everyone had a good New Years! Today, the roads are pretty icy so I'm stuck at home, which is great, because I got to edit this chapter and work on it a little more. :) And I'm so happy a few new people are reading the story. I usually try to respond to all reviews through private messages, but I can't for guests. :( So Lesley, thanks so much for commenting! I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Hope you enjoy this one. Unfortunately, no Merlin/Morgana interaction, but plenty of other things happen. This is where it all starts getting crazy. As always, feedback is lovely and pushes me to continue. :)
"M'lady? M'lady, it's time to get up!"
Morgana's eyelids flew open and she automatically pulled away from the pair of hands that were roughly shaking her shoulders. The unfamiliar face looking down on her was certainly not Gwen's.
"Where's Gwen?" she asked as she pushed her covers back.
"Afraid she's a bit under-the-weather all of a sudden, so I'm to take her place. Sorry I startled you so. I'm Leda. Hope it's alright with you."
Leda was probably in her late thirties, from what Morgana could tell. Her frazzled-looking chestnut hair was swept messily on top of her head, and if her dress was any tighter, she would burst out of it. Usually, Morgana tried to regard all of the servants kindly, but this one seemed to be trying a bit too hard. "Um, of course, I'm just surprised, that's all. Is Gwen very ill?"
"Oh no, she'll be fine in a day or so. Just needs some rest. Here now, let me help you out of that nightgown. You nearly gave me a fright. I think you would have slept away 'til noon if I hadn't woken ya up!"
Morgana hesitated. She felt strange letting another woman undress her. Gwen had been her maidservant for years. Besides, this woman was too brash for her liking.
"I think I can manage this morning. I've become accustomed to dressing myself."
"Dress yourself? Are you sure?"
"Yes. But that dress over there on the chair needs to be mended…would you mind?"
"S'pose I'll get it done straightaway. You sure about dressing yourself though?"
"Positive. Thank you."
As Morgana made her way down to the main floor, she reached up and conscientiously checked her hair to make sure it was in place. She could manage arranging her own hair to some degree, but she always felt more confident after Gwen had fixed it just so. As she rounded the corner, she collided with someone, causing him to drop the bag he was carrying.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Morgana exclaimed as she bent down. Reaching the pouch before him, she quickly glanced up and found herself staring into the face of the same young man who had been with Merlin the other day.
"I…hope nothing was broken," she offered apologetically as she handed it back to him.
Peering into the bag, he seemed relieved. "No, nothing's been broken, so no harm done. Well, I have to deliver these vials…so I'll just be on my way…"
"Rowan, right?"
He blinked rapidly, staring back at her with a curious expression. "I beg pardon?"
"Your name is Rowan?"
"Yes."
"Sorry, it's just that I noticed you were with Merlin the other day. He said something about you becoming Gaius's new apprentice?"
"Um, that's right. You spoke with Merlin recently then?"
"Yes, just last night...when he delivered my sleeping draught," she fudged.
Rowan looked down briefly. "I see. Well, as I said, I must be going."
"I'm sorry to keep you. Are you delivering those for Gaius?"
"I've just got a few more rounds to make."
Morgana got the distinct impression that he was avoiding her as he quickly edged away. "By the way, I'm Morgana. I wanted to introduce myself since we'll be seeing more of each other."
Rowan nodded slowly. "Yes, I believe we shall. Good day, my lady."
Morgana couldn't help but feel ill at ease over his parting words. If only she knew what great secret this Druid boy was hiding. Now more than ever she wanted to sleep without the bracelet. Even though she had promised Merlin she wouldn't, she saw no other way to relieve her mind. This Druid boy could be lying for all she knew, and it was up to her to find out the truth.
Merlin found himself humming as he swept around Arthur's room. For the first time in the past few days, he actually felt happy. Morgana and he had made amends, and for right now that was enough. He wouldn't even let this impending doom prophecy dampen his spirits.
A firm knock on the door snapped him out of his reverie. "Um, come in."
To his surprise, Rowan walked in.
"Oh, it's you. I thought you were Arthur at first, but Arthur would have just burst in. You made those rounds for Gaius?" Merlin asked as he picked up one of the small rugs and shook it out.
"Yes, just delivered the last vial," Rowan said in a clipped tone. "I also happened to bump into the Lady Morgana."
Merlin's vigorous shaking came to a halt. "You did?"
"Yes, and she mentioned you two had just spoken."
Merlin began beating at the carpet again…a little harder this time.
"Merlin…you didn't tell her…about me, did you?"
"I told her your name."
"Anything else?"
"Why do you ask?"
Rowan regarded him suspiciously and came closer. "She was asking quite a few questions. Tell me, why would such a high lady as herself speak to someone like me?"
"The Lady Morgana has always been a kind person…she doesn't care about rank. "
"That may be so, but it still doesn't answer my question. Did you tell her who I am?"
Merlin felt his face flushing. "No." Lying, again. He couldn't tell if Rowan believed him or not based on the blank expression on his face. Finally, he nodded.
"I hope that's true. My life depends on it…"
"Morgana would never betray you…even if she knew."
"I still can't take that risk. And I wish you would heed my words about her."
Merlin gripped the broom handle tighter. "Not this again."
"Merlin, I'm only telling you for your own good."
"How am I supposed to believe you when you won't tell me how Morgana's involved?"
Rowan ran his fingers through his hair. "I wish I could. Truly. But my people told me not to tell another soul, including you."
Merlin sighed. "I know. It's not your fault. But Morgana would never hurt me…I know she wouldn't."
"But she will, alright?" Rowan blurted out. "Take it from someone who's had to relive the same dream over and over again. She's the reason this whole mess is going to come about in the first place!"
"W-what do you mean?"
"I've said too much already," Rowan said as he walked back to the door, his head shaking. "Just trust me on this, Merlin. Please." With a final look, Rowan shut the door behind him, leaving Merlin alone with his questions…and fears.
After Morgana's early afternoon ride with Stargazer, she returned to her chambers to change into a new gown. To her surprise, she was greeted by the sight of Gwen arranging flowers by one of the windows.
"Gwen! What are you doing here? I thought you were ill."
"Oh, I was. But it was just a headache. It's passed now though."
"Are you sure you're well enough? You should be resting."
"Really, I'm fine. I'm sorry it was such short notice for you. Who took my place?"
"I think her name was Leda. I admit it was strange having someone looking after me besides you."
"Leda? Oh, I am sorry."
"What do you mean?"
"She's the biggest busybody I've ever met. I'm sure she was jumping at the chance to take my place. I hope she didn't pry too much."
"Actually, she didn't get the chance. I dressed myself this morning. All she did was mend my dress…which, doesn't look she finished yet," Morgana observed as she opened her wardrobe. "You can never get sick again, Gwen. I forbid it," Morgana teased as she chose a new gown to wear for the evening.
As Gwen was helping Morgana lace up the back of her dress, a firm knock sounded on the door.
"Just a minute!" Gwen called out. She quickly ran to the door and unbolted it. Sir Leon was standing outside, his expression stern.
"My message is for the Lady Morgana."
"I'm here," Morgana said, taking a few steps toward him.
"The king requests your presence immediately. In his chambers."
"In his chambers?"
"Yes, my lady. I'm to escort you right away."
"Something's wrong…is he unwell?"
"There is nothing wrong with his health. But we mustn't waste anymore time. So if you are ready…"
"Yes, of course." Morgana smiled weakly at a concerned-looking Gwen before following Sir Leon out into the hall. The last time she had been in Uther's chambers, he had fallen fast asleep as a result of the sleeping curse Morgause had cast on Camelot. No, that wasn't it. It had been when Uther was going mad...but she had been enchanted under Morgause's spell. She couldn't remember a time he had actually requested her presence there. And what was so important that she couldn't meet him in the Great Hall?
When they arrived at his door, Leon turned and met her gaze. "I was ordered to leave as soon as I brought you to the door, my lady." He quickly bowed and walked briskly down the hall.
Morgana's heart was beating erratically. Breathing in deeply, she rapped lightly on the door.
"Enter."
Morgana pulled the door open and braced herself for the unknown. But she could never have prepared herself for what was about to come. Uther stood facing her, his hands behind his back. As she shut the door, he slowly brought his hands in front of him, and what he was holding would have made her gasp if fear and utter shock hadn't held her back.
Uther Pendragon was holding a book in his hands. But not just any book. It was the book of magic that Merlin had given to her.
UH-OH. How on earth is Morgana going to get herself out of this one? Please share your thoughts. :)