Thank you so much for reading the story and for being patient as I took a break over the holidays. Hope you will enjoy the new chapter.

I also hope that you had a happy holidays and a happy new year.

As Arthur slipped back into the main hall he caught sight of the back of Gwen's head. She was talking with princess Mithian and Morgana. She had insisted that he talk to Merlin tonight before they all became to consumed by the wedding. It was no secret to anyone in the castle that Merlin's job included a number of tasks that he was not paid for. That did not fall into the list of his daily chores. Arthur had always been aware of this, longer than he would admit too. Gwen had brought up the subject while Merlin and Morgana were gone. Merlin deserved to have his input recognized, his importance to the running of the kingdom. He deserved a new more fitting job title. The king had been reluctant. What did Merlin need a new job title for. The slightly taller man was aware of his role. It went without saying. Gwen felt that was not enough. She made her feelings very clear. Arthur could only take her slight silent treatment and displeased look for a few hours before he gave in and agreed to speak to Merlin before the wedding. He had waited to almost the last minute, but he had done it. He hoped that would return him to her good graces. It would baud ill for their marriage to start of such a note.

When Gwen turned her head and caught a glimpse of Arthur out of the corner of her eye she turned fully to look at him. Seeing Merlin standing a little behind him looking unsure and confused, she knew right away that Arthur had spoken to him. Meeting Arthur's eyes she smiled and he gave her slightly forced begrudging look that said, are you pleased now. With the tiniest nod she crossed the hall to met him.

The celebrations lasted long into the night. The next morning the city took longer than normal to come to life. There was not much work to be done that day. The citizens of Camelot had worked a little harder the last few days so that they could enjoy the wedding celebrations fully. Without the nagging feeling in the back of their minds that they had worked to do. So a gentle calm seemed to hang over the city.

The only people that were not enveloped in this calm resided in the castle. Arthur and Gwen could not seem to get their heartrates to slow down to a normal rhythm or to stop their minds form constantly running with a million different thoughts. Merlin's mind also ran with thoughts of the possibilists of his future. He felt that such a choice should have been easy to make. That with something so important he would just know what to do. The fact that this had never been the case in his own experience did not stop him from feeling irritated that it was not that way this time.

He sat now leaning against the walls of the castle in its shadow. Watching as the kitchen maids finished setting the large tables that the guests of the wedding would sit at the next day to enjoy the feast. It was their last task of the day before the wedding the next day and the flurry of work they would have to do in a few hours to finish the meal and serve it. Then they could rest and enjoy the wedding festivities themselves.

In the far distance of the large grounds behind the castle he saw Morgana and Mordred walking the border of the grounds. They moved at a steady pace, but their arms moved around as they spoke with such animation that Merlin thought he could practically hear what they were saying. At first he avoided looking in their direction. Worried they would feel his gaze on them and feel like they were being spied on. After a while, As they gave no sign that they felt his presence he stopped avoiding and let his eyes roam freely. Only glancing their direction briefly from time to time. He knew they must know he was nearby, but it didn't seem to bother them so he relaxed. Closing his eyes as a cool breeze past across his face.

"He's fit in remarkably well."

Opening his eyes Merlin looked up. Lancelot stood next to him leaning against the wall of the castle. He hadn't heard his approach, to lost in his own thoughts. He nodded at his friends statement before he pulled himself to stand up.

"Should we be concerned." The knight asked, but didn't sound in the least bit concerned as he and Merlin watched the new knight and witch turn and beginning to head back towards the castle.

At first Merlin couldn't remember having said anything to Lancelot about what the prophecy said about Morgana and Mordred working together for evil. So he didn't know how much he needed to reassure his friend. Looking at him the knight didn't seem overly concerned. Merlin thought he asked more from a feeling of better safe than sorry than any real worry.

"No, I don't think so."

Lancelot nodded. Having been given all the reassurance he needed. "The lady Morgana also seemed to be finding her place here again."

Merlin let out a faint sigh. "Because she's leaving."

Lancelot looked back to his friend. Sympathy clear in his eyes. "What has she said. Do Arthur and Gwen-"

"She hasn't said anything, but...She will after the wedding."

"How do you know if she hasn't said anything." Lancelot tried to gently press.

Merlin let out a chocked laugh as the hint of a smile crossed his face. "You didn't see her there."

He looked over at her now. Still a long way off, but he could see her pale skin brightly in the harsh sun light of the spring day. She looked beautiful, otherworldly to him. But how she looked now, even with the warm smile on her face as she listening intently to Mordred, paled in comparison with how she had looked in the moonlight on the isle of Avalon. She had shone from the inside out. The hint of that had remained since they left, but it was not the say. Rationally he wondered if his own feelings had played a part in how he saw her that night and now. In the end it didn't matter.

"She makes sense there...I don't know how to explain it any better than that."

"But.." Lancelot asked gesturing a little with his head towards the knight and witch that passed near them as they headed back into the castle.

Morgana called out a greeting to them that they returned. Lancelot informed her that Gwen and some other ladies where conversing in one of smaller meeting rooms and had been for sometime. Gwen might need an excuse to slip away. Morgana nodded, voicing her worry that she had left Gwen to be surrounded and outnumbered by the ladies of the court and visiting guests. Who were no doubting questing her, in a way that would soon turn into an interrogation. In that special way that only a noble lady that was raised to be silent and not speak her mind so had to use each word as a weapon could. Quickly she left them to save Gwen. Mordred followed shortly after her. Saying he was going to return to his room to work on his reading. The other men nodded at him as he left. Clearly Mordred felt that he had be always doing something or his new title would be taken from him.

"She seems to be reacclimating to life here fairly well." Lancelot finished his earlier thought once he and Merlin were alone again.

"Because she knows she isn't staying here. She's making the most of the time she is here."

"How can you be so sure. I spoke with Mordred at breakfast this morning. He gave no sign Morgana was leaving. Surly she would have said something to him first or Arthur and Gwen Gwaine even or you."

Merlin took in a deep breath. "I don't think she knows yet that she has already made up her mind. Made it up long ago. At least that's what I think." Added the last statement to downplay his certainty.

They stood in silence, enjoying the warm spring afternoon. Until Lancelot asked the question he had wanted to ask since Merlin and Morgana returned. "

"Will you go with her."

"I don't think so." Merlin answered. The most direct answer he had given to this question so far.

Lancelot placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I would be pleased if you stayed, we all would. But is it really what you want."

"It's not just about what I want." Merlin said as he gentle shock off Lancelot's hand and moved away from the wall.

"No but-"

"I'll take what I can get. Especially when it comes to Morgana. Make peace with the rest. And what I have, on the whole is more than most." Seeing Lancelot about to speak he went on. "I'm not as noble or strong as you."

He didn't wait for Lancelot to say anything else. With a weak smile he left to return to the castle and the last minute tasks he had to take care of before the wedding. His mind was not fully made up. He only felt more inclined to believe that he would stay in Camelot after talking to Arthur. He felt very sure that if he had a conversation with Morgana she could convince him to leave with her. That was one of the many reasons he was avoiding her as best as he could. Since she had called him out for this herself it was now harder to do successfully. So far he had managed it as they where both busy with the peparations for the wedding. At some point, some point very soon they would both have to make a choice. They just had to hope that they made the right one.

As Morgana made her way through the corridors of the upper floors of the castle she could her the faint muttering of a conversation a little way ahead. Every instinct in her body told her to turn and walk the other way. She had spent years building up the self-preservation instinct to as soon as she heard that sound get as far away as she could as quickly and quietly as possible. The sound of mindless chatter and hot air. Somehow she was able to over ride her well honed instinct and kept walking, all be it rather slowly towards the unsettling noise. Quicker than she would have liked she found herself on the other side of a door that lead to a large, yet private meeting room. The now distinguishable voices clear on the other side. With a deep breath she pushed the door open and let her face fall into a blank mask. With the thinnest of smiles.

Once she was on the other side of the door and faced with the group of five young women, of her own age, her words of greeting caught in her throat. Somehow with all that she had faced with the appearance of calm, this was what stomped her. Left her nervous and fumbling for words. Fortunately one of the women took pity on her and stood to greet the new arrival formally. Though it was not the person Morgana expected it would be.

"Lady Morgana." The princess Mithian said as she tentatively hugged her and lightly kissed her cheek. "We were hoping you would join us."

Gwen stood and moved to join them. "Yes, I didn't want to bother you if you were resting after your travels."

Gwen effortlessly lied as she guided Morgana to sit the chair she had just been sitting on. Morgana shook her head and sat on the window ledge next to her. It was the least she could do for Gwen after she had tried to keep her from being put in a situation she was not comfortable with. The conversation picked up again and went on for a few minutes. To Morgana's surprise they were talking not about dresses or their children or husbands but about distribution of the harvests to the most in need outlying villages. Morgana felt she had judged these women to harshly. She was also sure that Gwen had played a large part in this topic of conversation as well.

The conversation turned naturally to how the crops produced by the city of Camelot was doing. Gwen gave a detailed overview of the produce that was being grown as well had how they were proceeding. She also descripted the rose bushes of many different colors that were growing in the small walled garden of the castle. Roses that would be picked early the next morning to decorate the wedding.

As she had sensed Morgana's discomfort when she entered the room, Mithian seemed to pick up on the fact that Gwen might be growing tired of the conversation and might want a little time to herself or with her future sister before such a big day. She said how beautiful the roses sounded and that she would like to see them before they were cut. The other women agreed that that would be a lovely idea and they quickly filed out of the room leaving Morgana and Gwen.

"I was going to apologize for leaving you with them, but things seemed-"

"It was actually quit nice." Gwen cut in in a strange tone. Morgana looked at her questioningly . "I never had friends, not ones that were girls. I grow up a blacksmiths daughter with a brother."

"You had me." Morgana said in a teasing tone.

"You were as bad as Arthur. Always wanting to be out riding or sword fighting." Gwen teased back.

"I'm glad you have made friends. It will make your reign easier having friends."

Gwen had always made friends easily. It was her own kind of magic. That would stand her well in the role before her. Morgana just hoped that Gwen's kindness would not be taken as weakness. She of course knew first hand how strong her future sister could be when pushed. When who she cared for were in danger.

The talk of roses reminded Morgana of her wedding present for Gwen. She had planned to give it to her before the formal banquet that night, but now was as good a time as any. Leading Gwen to her chambers she quickly went to her wardrobe that was nearly empty and pulled out a small bundle of light blue fabric.

"I was going to wrap it-" Gwen cut her off with a shack of her head.

Taking the bundle from Morgana Gwen was surprised at how heavy it was. Not overly, but still more than a piece of fabric should weigh. Something was placed between the folds. Pulling the top layer back she say a floral crown made up of bright turquoise and white flowers.

"I know you have an actual crown, but you would only let Arthur commission a small one. This I hope would complement it."

"It's beautiful." Holding the bundle in one hand Gwen stepped forward and wrapped her free hand around Morgana in a half hug, that she returned. "Thank you so much."

"Its enchanted. It will stay in bloom until your first wedding anniversary." Morgana said as she pulled back from the hug.

Looking at the floral crown Gwen stated. "It'll match perfectly with my dress."

As she spoke she moved to leave Morgana's chambers and cross the hall to her own. She had completely forgotten to show her wedding dress to Morgana. She had shown her the fabric she would make it from and the plan she had for its shape, but she had not seen the finished garment. Opening her own wardrobe she reveled the dress hanging on the back of the wardrobe door on a silver hook that she now placed the floral crown upon as well. They matched well together. Morgana complemented the dress and the work Gwen had put into it. Gwen brushed off the complement, but was clearly thrilled and touched by it. A strange look played across her face that Morgana couldn't understand.

"What's wrong."

"I going to miss you, so's Arthur."

Morgana didn't know what to say. Gwen sounded so sure, when she herself felt so conflicted. "Nothing-"

"I just know that if you don't go, you'll regret it."

"And if I leave I'll regret that too."

"Maybe. All I know is that you always regret the things you don't do more than the things that you do."

Morgana knew very well the truth of Gwen's words. Of all things she had done in her life. Things she would change the way they happened if she could. There was only thing that she truly regretted. One thing that if she had the change would make sure she did it differently. She would let the assassin that she had hired to kill Uther carry out the job. She would not let herself be manipulated by Uther's show of guilt. She would not lift a finger to save the old kings life. Allow the assassin's blade find it target. How different things would be now if she had had the conviction to be rid of him all those years ago. Before any further damage was done.

Not finding any words and still not able to fully commit to any decision Morgana just smiled a tight smile and nodded in agreement. Neither confirming Gwen's belief or denying it. With another quick hug they without having to say anything out loud agreed to drop the conversation and move on. At least for now.

The rest of the day was surprisingly uneventful. The majority of the preparations had been carried out well in advance of the wedding its self. All that there was really left to do were the very last minute tasks that could not be done before the wedding itself. A large fest was held in the great hall for the court and visiting guests. Arthur and Gwen sat at the head of the table. He made a small speech. Mainly apologizing that the table was not round as many of the guests had expected. He was working on it, but it was very difficult to source a tree large enough that a round table that would seat so many. This got a laugh, broke the ice. After that the conversation and wine flowed freely. The gentle breeze that drifted in from the slightly open windows cooled the uncommonly warm spring evening.

Sitting next to Mordred, Morgana sat across from Mithian who sat next to Lancelot. For most of the night the princess and the knight engaged with those of their other sides, but spent most of the night in hushed conversation with each other. Mordred caught Morgana looking down at her bowl of soup. The first course, trying to look up at the pair. Fearing her gaze would startle them and stop the conversation flowing. He nudged her with his elbow lightly. Letting out a small laugh Morgana turned to fully face Mordred and Gwaine on his other side. Together the three of them did their best for the rest of the meal to not look over at the other side of the table, by talking almost exclusively to each other. Everything any of them chanced a swift glance they saw the something as before. The princess and knight in easy conversation. It was a pleasant sight. Only mildly less saccharin than the couple at the head of the table.

The banquet carried on into the night, but the majority of the guest excused themselves to have an early night. There would of course be another chance to stay up late and celebrate the next night.

About half an hour before midnight Gwen who had been one of the first to excuse herself to retire for bed, slipped from her chambers and as silently as possible made her way through the dark, empty corridors of the castle towards her intendeds rooms. Seeping out from under the closed door was a faint beam of candle light. She had waited till she was sure Merlin would have finished his duties for the day and had gone to his own bed. Still she knocked lightly. Getting no reply, her sign that he was alone she pushed the door open, just enough for her to creep through. Not daring to let to much light pour out into the corridor. She had made this trip many times before, yet she was just as nervous every time.

"I thought it was bad luck to see each other-"

"That's on the wedding day." Gwen said as she closed the door gentle behind her, while not turning away from Arthur. "And it's not yet past midnight." She grinned as she closed the distance between them.

Thank you again for reading, hope that you enjoyed it. I am going to try and have the next chapter out by next week. I am also aiming to have this story finished by the end of 2023. So I won't test your patience much longer (hopefully)

I haven't added any links to dresses I used as inspiration in a while but I will have two for the next chapter. So I hope that is still of interest for some of you.

As always any comments, feedback or input, ideas are very welcome. I love hearing from you.