Chapter 19

[Morgana's Chamber—Camelot]

Morgana stared out the window into Nocturne's deepening dark. Overcast broke up. Luna and stars brushed the landscape with their light. Knights patrolled cobble-stoned plaza below. Others rode the meadow beyond the drawbridge. Uther ordered Arthur to round up the usual suspects for Aredian's interrogations. Scowl twisted her lip. Fear's chill stabbed up her spine.

Persecution's endless wheel spun round yet again….

How can anyone be safe? She bit her lip. Uther's ferocity unnerved her just a half an hourglass earlier. Prejudice sickened her. Thank the goddess that Gaius is still away. I do not need those powders shoved on me at this point. At least Merlin will not be doing that anymore.

Merlin….

Her eyes rose over the walls and trees beyond them. Her mind flew across Severn, Gedref and Nemeth to Whitgate itself. His secrets spun her mind. Disbelief questioned his survival against Uther's odds. How does he manage to use his magic here? Memoria recalled Nimue's beast in the cistern. Sudden tornado turning the tide in Ealdor. The flaming lance against Griffin's assault. Arthur's survival against Valiant's shield and its snakes. Segan's threat went by the boards.

He is really Emrys of the Druids? She shook her head. Sadness, however, swamped her in that moment. Visions swirled in front of her eyes….

…a blonde knight in Nemethian emerald surcoat assisting an elder man into a granite chamber…

…Merlin talking with Rodor, Mithian and two other familiar women whose names escaped her. Seriousness revealed more points. Secrets and Ties peeled away further….

…Merlin spoke with the aforementioned elder man. Reverence bubbled up within him. Lament over something missed stabbed through both men. An energy surge passed from the elder to Merlin. Death's chill claimed the elder after that….

…Once more, Mourning's chill numbed Merlin. Once more, his head drooped. Sorrow welled tears behind his eyes. Previous month's issues arose again….

…Mithian's eyes turned toward Merlin. She rubbed his arm. Her eyes met his. Warmth and Feeling blossomed within her. Duty held her back. Still, much as Accolon reached to her, she reached toward Merlin….

Mithian? Really caring for someone? Morgana scratched her head. Intrigue arched an eyebrow. Mithian struck her as a Tomboy Hunter/Prince in Petticoats. Duty obsessed her with political agenda, social welfare, or the hunt. Amor and she never met up in Negotiations' court….

…until now it seemed…

Who would have thought it'd be Merlin? Really? She peered into the wardrobe. Her fingertips brushed past hanging dresses and gowns toward a tattered lavender gown. Consideration regarded it. Merlin had taken it. Arthur had returned it after Cath Palgau's death. Freya's pain bled from the fabric. Merlin's mourning chased right behind that….

…Mourning for Girl and Stranger…Support and Interest from Previously Uninterested….

That must be why Merlin was so morose! She set the dress back in the wardrobe and closed its doors. She returned to the window. What about Accolon and Aredian? How will Uther respond to Accolon's acceptance?

Have faith, Morgana. All will be well.

Her heart skipped a beat. Accolon? Where are you? She surveyed the plaza outside. Her eyes raised toward the walls and meadows beyond. Inky darkness veiled everything beyond the immediate vicinity. Impatience pressed onward.

I am just entering the meadow below. Remain calm. We cannot expose you especially given Uther's feelings and Aredian's threat. Once Uther and I sign and seal the agreement, you will be beyond danger. Not even Aredian would touch a Tintagel Princess, Accolon replied.

I hope you are right. Despite Assurances' promise, worries pressed down on her. This is Uther. He is notorious about his double standards. Morgana bit her lip.

I will leave him with little choice. I am almost there. Perhaps you might wear the dark blue gown for me? You know the one, my Love, Accolon requested.

Smirk spread across her face. I am wearing it right now. It was meant that you have come tonight, my Prince. Be careful. I shall see you soon. I love you, Accolon.

I love you, Morgana. Thank you. Warmth caressed her mind and heart anew. Accolon's commitment and bond strengthened her resolve even as he went silent.

She walked up to the mirror. Reflection's appearance offered distinct counterpoint. Ward soon to be no longer. Soon to be Princess and Queen in her own right. Her hands smoothed wrinkles from the blue material. Soon, we will reunify Tintagel. We will heal the wounds in my father's land. We will restore the Old Religion. She set her tiara around her head. "There! I believe he will approve."

Discord's vibes reflected off of the passage's walls.

"FATHER! I WILL NOT!" Arthur's voice protested.

"YOU WILL DO WHAT I SAY AND THAT IS FINAL!" Uther bellowed.

Morgana rolled her eyes. This? Now? She marched out into the passage.

Some scenes shouldn't be played out in front of guests after all…..