Hi

First of all have a merry Christmas!

Thanks for reading the previous chapters, here is the next one. I have one favour to request. I have submitted my story in a contest on Inkitt and I would like to ask for your support and your vote.

Thanks to the followers and readers.

REVIEW REPLIES

Guest: Χρονια πολλά, επίσης! Ευχαριστω για το ριβιού! Για το naturaldaughter, το κοίταξα, νομίζω ότι ισχύει. Βασικά από μια σκηνή στη σειρά το είχα πάρει. Επίσης δεν απάντησες στην ερωτηση μου. Ποιοςείναιχειρότερος. Uther vs Gorlois? Ευχαριστώπάλι. Τα λεμε. Κατι άλλο, γιατι δεν κάνεις signin ώστε να μπορώ να σου απαντήσω σε PM?

"What?"

Morgana was stunned. If she hadn't seen Uther's lips move when she heard the word "sorry" she wouldn't have believed it. Arthur's reaction was similar. He was staring at his father like he had grown a second head or something equally disturbing.

Even though Morgana had decided that she was not going to forgive him so easily, Uther apologizing for his actions was something that she wasn't prepared for. She expected him to try to throw the blame on someone else, Gorlois perhaps, or at least try to leave as soon as possible. His words came as a surprise for her. His tear-filled eyes indicated that his words were, for once, true. Morgana kept back the venomous reply she had in mind and decided to examine this sudden change of his attitude. Their previous encounter with Gorlois made her think that something before this had made him change his mind. The change in him was more than obvious. He now looked like and old man, abandoned by his children and disappointed by his life. Nothing like Uther Pendragon, the successful businessman that used people to achieve his own ends. Morgana scolded mentally herself for feeling pity for him. He brought it upon himself, she thought. He deserves it.

Uther was now crying openly and Arthur looked at him with something akin to disgust.

"You are a liar. I don't care how many times you tell me you are sorry, I will never forgive you for this" he said to his father, his voice somewhat broken. He then took his coat off the wall and left the room, leaving Morgana, Merlin and Draco to deal with Uther. The tension in the air was almost visible. Uther's eyes were fluttering between Morgana, Merlin and the exit. Suddenly Uther cupped his face with his hands, obviously crying.

"Curious" Morgana said. Uther turned to look at her, as did Draco and Merlin. "Why this sudden change of heart, Uther?"

"My daughter, Morgana" Uther choked between sobs "so sorry, I did to you"

It was impossible for him to form complete sentences, but they got the general meaning.

"What happened to you, father?" Morgana asked again. At the sound of the word father Uther flinched and looked down.

"I have changed" Uther croaked.

"Grew up, huh?" Morgana teased coldly. She still wanted to punish the old man for his crimes. "Realized you are a bit to old for playing the gangster with your bestie?"

Merlin raised his eyebrows. She couldn't have stated it better. Uther had now nothing to say. He wondered where all this would lead. While Uther and Gorlois where the enemies and they had to deal with them, the path in front of them was difficult, no doubt, but it was clear. Now, they couldn't make out whom to make an alliance with. If Uther had decided to turn a new leaf in his life, would they embrace it? Should they do so, would they have to deal with an angry Gorlois later? Would it be better to cut off from both of them and let them clear out themselves? No, probably not. They would anyway be a part of the story. It would be better if they made clear which side they were with. And if Uther was ready to remorse, Merlin thought, they would be with him. They wouldn't trust him entirely. That could never be, after all he did. But he could prove of use and they could spot his aims.

Merlin caught Morgana's eyes and she interpreted the eye-message he sent her "Calm down"

"Right" she exhaled and sat on the armchair. "We are tired, you too are tired, it's better if we leave this now and continue it tomorrow."

Uther looked at her as if he didn't believe the words she told him. "Okay" he whispered. Morgana turned back, and so did Merlin and Draco. The three of them exited the room and made their way, as victors now, to the main entrance. Morgause was waiting for them there, waving her hands madly at them when they got out. She hugged them all, first Draco and then the other two.

"Where have you been, I have been dead scared!" Morgause started shouting as soon as they had entered the car. "You could have called, sent a text message at least."

Morgana sighed and rested her head at the seat of the car, allowing herself to ignore completely Morgause' voice. It had been an eventful day. What she wanted now was to go home, and cuddle with Merlin on the sofa or just go to sleep. To get her tones down. She thought again about Uther saying he's sorry. His current attitude seemed curious, and surprisingly welcome to her. She reluctantly admitted to herself that Uther was the only parental figure she had left. Months ago, she had erased the opportunity of reuniting with him. Now, even if she definitely was not ready to forgive him, it was showing up again.

"What are you thinking?" Merlin gently removed some hair from her shoulder and kissed it. Her thoughts came to an abrupt end. She realized the car was not moving and looked around. They were just outside their flat. Merlin chuckled at her loss of orientation and she smiled at him too.

"Here we are" Draco announced and Morgause cheered "Good night"

Merlin opened the door and Morgana got out after him. The cold breeze on her face was more than helpful and she felt renewed, for once. She looked at Merlin and together they entered their flat and double locked the door behind them. And that was all they needed now. Safety, or at least, the feel of it.

"I love you" Morgana told Merlin quietly. He looked at her, surprised at why she brought up the subject this time.

Merlin kissed her as a reply. It felt like dripping into a tub of hot water, a relief after a tiring day. Everything else was wrong that moment. But they shut out problems and lived in their little private world.

"I do too" he whispered to her and she smiled.

"I know" Morgana poked his chest with her finger.

They stumbled to the bedroom, with backward steps, bumping onto walls and doors on their way.

"Are you tired?" Merlin asked her, as he changed into sleeping clothes.

Morgana looked at him and smirked.

"No"

That's it! Not much action in this, but its a bond between this and the next one. Please leave a review! I deserve it, it's Christmas :)

Anyway, next chapter will probably be in 2016, so have a happy new year and see you in a week or so.

Question: Should a chapter focused on Arthur follow? I think I have been ignoring him lately.