A/N: Thank you to everyone who has followed, favourited and commented on this story.

—

Amelia's POV

Uther holds a Camelot Knight's cape that is blood stained and torn in the Council Chambers. Everyone is gathered.

"It was Cenred who did this, you're certain of it?" Uther questions his son as they stand opposite each other. Amelia watches sombrely from her seat next to Morgana.

Arthur nods in much the same way as Amelia is feeling. "Yes, My Lord. His messenger has only this minute departed Camelot. Cenred said that the patrol trespassed on his land and an example had to be made."

"How many dead?"

"All of them, Sire. Every last man." Amelia's stomach drops.

Uther is in shock. "The Knights?"

"All lost. Edric, Oldof, Osric, and Sir Leon."

Everyone stares at each other in horror and surprise, the atmosphere is gloomy.

—

In a turn of events, Arthur is welcoming Sir Leon in the Council Chambers a couple of nights later.

"We thought you were dead for sure." Arthur tells him happily as he steps back from giving the Knight a weird arm hug.

"I was dead, or as good as, until the Druids found me." Leon explains. This causes everyone to pause.

Uther freezes. "Druids?"

Leon nods. "Yes, My Lord. I owe them my life."

"How did they heal you? You were as good as dead, you said." Uther wonders.

"I don't know." Leon responds.

"Did they use magic?" Uther demands to know. Amelia watches curiously from her seat.

Leon hesitates. "Well, I..."

"Yes or no, it's a simple enough question." Uther tells him impatiently.

"I only know that I drank from some kind of cup, Sire—" Leon finally answers.

Uther cuts him off. "Cup?"

"It was extraordinary, My Lord." Leon explains. "I have known nothing like it. From the moment it touched my lips, I could feel my life return to me."

In the room, people look puzzled, concerned and inquisitive.

Uther seems to want to say more but realises he's in public and stops himself. "Well, your trials have left you weary, I'm sure. We must let him rest."

Amelia knows Uther is suspicious. Amelia is herself. It sounds awfully similar.

—

Morgana had noticed Arthur heading towards a secluded corridor and decided that they needed to have a listen in. She must've noticed something going on like Amelia had. Not good.

They stop and stand behind a pillar as they listen to father and son.

"You called for me, Father?" Amelia hears Arthur say. She can't see them.

"Cenred is our sworn enemy. We cannot risk him getting his hands on the Cup of Life." The Cup of Life?! That makes sense with how well Leon is.

"I know, Father."

"You must retrieve it. Your mission must remain secret; you can speak to no one of this." Uther orders. Amelia really doesn't think this is wise. Morgana knows about it, she'll want to tell Morgause and they'll now find out where it is now that Arthur will move it.

"I will take only my most trusted men." Arthur replies.

"We've seen what happened to the last patrol that entered Cenred's land. You must go alone." Uther disagrees. "I'm sorry to place such a burden upon you, but there is no one else I can trust."

"I understand, Father."

Morgana looks to Amelia with a pleased smirk and Amelia returns it before dropping it as soon as Morgana looks away.

—

Amelia reluctantly helps Morgana call their sister using the mirror. Amelia really doesn't want Morgause to find out about the Cup of Life. Who knows what she'll do with it?

Amelia and Morgana walk into the Vaults. They pause, and Amelia's eyes flicker around, searching for Morgause. However, she realises someone is behind them. Amelia looks to Morgana who smirks and turns around. Amelia herself turns to see Morgause step inside with a pleased smile. Amelia returns it reluctantly.

"What is it you wanted to tell me, Sisters?" Morgause asks.

"Arthur rides at dawn. He's been sent to recover some kind of cup." Morgana eagerly reports. "The Cup of Life, they called it?"

Morgause's eyes light up and twinkle at the mention of the Cup. "The Cup of Life? Are you sure?"

Amelia nods. "We heard every word."

"How long I have searched for it." Morgause says wistfully as she paces around them.

"Is it as powerful as they believe?" Amelia asks. She has some idea, having seen it be used by Nimueh, but she isn't going to tell her sisters.

"Oh, yes." Morgause nods as she turns her head in their direction. "Trust me, Sisters, with the Cup in our possession, Camelot would soon be at our mercy. Where is the Cup now?"

"It's in the hands of the Druids. All we know is that their camp lies within Cenred's Kingdom." Morgana answers.

"Then perhaps Cenred will be of use to us again." Morgause smirks. "He has spies everywhere. If he can have Arthur followed..."

"Then Arthur will lead us all the way to the Cup itself." Morgana finishes with a grin on her face that Amelia has to match. She needs to warn Merlin.

—

After they both go back upstairs, Amelia and Morgana split up. Amelia hides behind a pillar, waiting for Merlin. When she peeks over the pillar and sees the warlock walking down the Red Ribbon Corridor, Amelia reaches out and grabs his wrist, pulling him into the small enclosure so that the two of them are in private.

Amelia looks over the pillar to make sure that they're alone in the corridor before she turns back to face Merlin.

"Amelia this is dangerous! What if Morgana was to catch—"

"That doesn't matter." Amelia dismisses. "Is Arthur taking you with him on a quest?"

He scrunches up his face in confusion as he nods. "Yes, but how—"

"Morgana and I listened to Arthur and Uther talking then we told Morgause. Not my idea." Amelia tells him. "Arthur hasn't told you where you're going?"

Merlin shakes his head. "No, he said he'd have to kill me if he told me."

Amelia rolls her eyes. "He's so dramatic. You and Arthur are going to be searching for the Cup of Life. It's in a Druid camp that lies in Cenred's Kingdom. My sisters are planning on using Centred to spy on you both to get the Cup."

"Gaius has warned me about the Cup. He said the Cup can be used for evil as well as good." Merlin tells her.

"And now Cenred, Morgause and Morgana know about it. You need to be careful Merlin."

Merlin nods. "We will."

"I can't go with you, neither can Anne, it'll make my sisters suspicious." Amelia explains. "So, you better come back safe and sound."

"I promise." Merlin tells her. He pulls her into a hug. Amelia clings to him tearfully. She can't help but feel that this time, not everything will be so easy.

—

Merlin and Arthur head off the next morning. Amelia is incredibly worried when it gets to the next evening and they haven't returned.

Uther shares her worries. He paces the Council Chambers as Leon stands in front of him while Morgana and Amelia watch.

"Arthur should be back by now." Uther laments.

"I'm sure there's a simple explanation, Sire." Leon tries to calm him.

"You know as well as I do he's been gone too long." Uther retorts. "Take a patrol, as many men as you need. Whatever it takes, find him."

"Yes, Sire." Leon takes his leave.

"You show great strength, My Lord." Morgana says in a sickly sweet voice.

"What do you mean?" Uther asks with that dopey look that he always has when he looks at Morgana ever since her near death. That's the only redeemable aspect of him, how much he cares for his children though really does a terrible job at showing it most of the time.

"Day after day you must send your only son into danger."

Uther sighs. "Not a responsibility any father would wish to bear."

Amelia presses a false reassuring smile on her face. "You must try not to worry. He's the First Knight of Camelot and your greatest warrior. He's made it home safe in the past. Why should this time be any different?" While she hopes her own words are right, she doesn't like having to comfort Uther.

"You're right. Of course, you are." Uther says as he takes each of their hands, squeezing them. Uther then leaves, leaving Amelia and Morgana.

Morgana looks after him in disgust before she turns to Amelia, giving her an eager smile. Amelia feels her insides twist at the sight of it. That smile never means anything good anymore. "It is almost time, sister. Are you ready?"

Amelia has no choice but to nod. "As ready as you are. We've been waiting a long time for this, Morgana." She lifts her chin. "The fruits of our labour shall be very sweet indeed."

Morgana squeals in delight as she reaches over and pulls Amelia into a hug. "You have been by my side throughout all of this, Amelia. You truly are the best sister a girl could ask for."

Since Morgana can't see her face, Amelia lets her face drop into one of sadness as she responds, "So are you, Morgana. So are you."

—

The next day, bad news arrives. Leon reports seeing Cenred's army marching on Camelot when on patrol.

"We must convene the Council of War." Uther orders.

"They cannot be stopped. The Soldiers, Sire, they will not fall." Leon warns him. Morgause had done it. She has an Immortal army.

"What are you saying?"

"They will not die."

This doesn't deter Uther. "Gather the Knights. Prepare whatever defences you can."

"But Sire..." Leon tries to protest.

"Do it!" Uther cries. Amelia can't help but feel some satisfaction at Uther's desperation but that is overshadowed by her worry about what this means for the rest of them.

Morgana smirks, linking her arm with Amelia's. Leon bows and exits with Court members.

Uther turns to Gaius. "Cenred. It must be. How? The location of the Cup was secret."

Gaius glances over to Amelia and Morgana, particularly Morgana. "There's only one explanation, Sire. We have a traitor in our midst."

—

By nightfall, the Immortal army waits outside the walls, ready for battle. Amelia walks into her Chambers to see Anne looking out of her window fearfully at the gathering army.

Amelia swallows. "Anne?" She calls tentatively.

Anne turns away from the army to face her. She has tears in her eyes. "Is it true they attack at dawn?"

Amelia sniffs, feeling her own tears. "Yes."

"And no word from Merlin and Arthur?"

"Nothing."

"Then all is lost. We'll be massacred, every last one of us."

Amelia can't bear to hear her say that. She hurriedly walks to her friend, her best friend, pausing in front of her and taking her hands. "I promise I won't let that happen to you, Anne. As long as you stay by me, Morgause and her Soldiers can't harm you."

Anne smiles slightly, looking touched, before furrowing her eyebrows. "And what then?"

Amelia swallows her tears back and stands resolutely. "Then we hope that Arthur and Merlin are alright and make a plan to fight back." She doesn't dare think of the worst outcome.

"But if not?"

"We'll have to do it ourselves." Amelia says determinedly.

Anne nods strongly, but a few tears escape and Amelia brings her into a hug. They cling to one another.

"You must know that what happens next, how I will behave, I won't mean it. I'm loyal to you, Arthur, Merlin and Camelot. You have my word." Amelia says pleadingly.

"I know."

Amelia looks on uneasily at the army.

—

Of course, Camelot's army had nothing on an Immortal army, and Cenred's men had taken over Camelot very easily. Uther had been taken down to the Dungeons when they had taken over, and most of Cenred's men filled the Castle. There is still no sign of Merlin and Arthur. Gwen and Anne had been told to stay with Amelia and Morgana in the former's Chambers to keep them safe. Morgana had told Amelia that Gwen had declared her loyalty but Amelia knows that isn't truly the case but keeps quiet. They need everyone they can get when they fight back.

Amelia startles in alarm when there's a knock on her door. She looks at Morgana questioningly but Morgana simply raises an eyebrow and shrugs.

Amelia opens the door and in walks Morgause with a wide grin on her face and two Guards following her.

"Sisters! Camelot is ours!" Her eyebrows furrow when she notices Gwen and Anne. Amelia sees the questioning look on Morgause's face when she turns to her.

"We've told you of our maids, sister. Gwen and Anne." Amelia explains, gesturing to the two in turn. "Don't worry they have accepted the new changes." If only to survive, thank God.

Morgause nods and turns to Morgana. Amelia takes this opportunity of her sisters' attention being off her to send an apologetic look to the two maids. They both give her reassuring smiles though Gwen's is shaky. Amelia hasn't had the chance to talk to Gwen yet about what has happened but hopefully soon.

"My army has already arrested the Knights, Uther and anyone else that is disloyal, which means all that is left is your coronation, sister." Morgause says. Morgana grins.

Amelia takes notice of her words. "Wait, your army? What about Cenred?"

A dark and gleeful look passes over Morgause's face. "He won't be a problem anymore. Do not worry sister, I've dealt with him."

Morgause had clearly misinterpreted Amelia's shock and horror at her words. While Amelia has never cared for Cenred, it's horrible to hear how Morgause has truly only ever used him and never cared for him in the slightest.

Morgana then squeals in delight. She grabs Gwen's arm, startling her. "Come on, Gwen! We need to pick my dress."

—

Merlin's POV

Merlin pulls Arthur into Gaius' Chambers with a huff and plonks him down onto a bench. They had arrived in Camelot by nightfall to find that Camelot's army had been slaughtered. He had sent Elyan and Gwaine to the Dungeons to find out more as Arthur had begun to struggle to walk and talk. Merlin hates the fact that he wasn't able to heal Arthur from the poisoned arrow that had pierced him when Cenred attacked them and had stolen the Cup. He hopes to find something of Gaius' that could help. He doesn't dare think about what has happened to Anne.

"You're disobeying orders, Merlin. I'll have you in the stocks for this." Arthur threatens him as he grips his shirt before letting go. The heat behind his threat isn't there as he looks like he's seconds away from collapsing.

Merlin rolls his eyes. "Fine." He huffs. "Now, stay put and try not to move that leg."

Merlin looks for a potion but hears a rattling in the cupboard. He picks up Arthur's sword and goes to check it out. Merlin yanks the door open and—

"Gaius!" He sags in relief at the sight of his mentor.

"Merlin!" Merlin and Gaius hug.

"Are you alright?" Merlin questions him. He looks over him, making sure he's alright.

"All the better for seeing you."

"Where's Anne?" Merlin asks.

"With Amelia last I knew. She'll be safe with her." Gaius reassures him. Arthur then groans in the background, drawing Gaius' attention. "Arthur."

Merlin stops him as the Physician moves forward. "I tried to heal him using magic, but it didn't work." He quickly explains.

Gaius nods and goes to Arthur with Merlin following. "This may hurt a bit, Sire." Gaius inspects the wound.

"Ah." Arthur moans in pain.

"The wound's infected. I'll have to redress the leg to reduce the inflammation." Gaius observes.

"No, no, no, no. We haven't got time. Just give me something to keep going." Arthur pleads.

"Yes, Sire." Gaius doesn't look pleased but moves to do as he's told.

"It's the army of Immortals, isn't it?" Merlin murmurs to him. He feels so stupid, in an attempt to stop it from falling into Cenred's hands, he essentially handed it over on a plate.

"We'll be lucky to get away with our lives, any of us."

—

Gaius hands Arthur a potion as Merlin emerges from his Chamber with a bag containing his magic book and the Avalon water vial from the floorboard under his bed.

"The effect will be instant, Sire, but I cannot guarantee how long it'll last." Gaius tells the Prince.

Arthur downs it. "Thank you, Gaius."

Gwaine and Elyan enter then.

"The King, Sire, he's alive." The latter speaks.

Arthur stands as quickly as he can. "Where is he?"

"They're taking him to the Throne room as we speak." Gwaine tells him.

"This may be my last chance." He turns and grabs his sword.

"Arthur, there's too many of them. You'll never make it." Merlin warns him.

"I won't leave my father to die here alone." Arthur turns to Elyan and Gwaine. "Gwaine, Elyan, take Gaius and make your way to the woods beyond the Castle. I hope we meet again." Gwaine, Elyan, and Gaius leave. "Merlin, you should go with them."

Fat chance. "Nah, I've seen the woods already."

Arthur grabs Merlin's shoulder with a smile and the two of them head off to sneak through the corridors.

—

Amelia's POV

Amelia is dressed up in a very nice blue gown for her sister's coronation, which matches her eyes, and her brown hair swept over her shoulder. She can feel herself crumbling on the inside as she smooths her dress out, tears sneaking out of her eyes. Amelia hastily wipes them away before someone can come in and see her crying.

"Amelia..." Anne quietly murmurs from behind her as she does the final touch ups to Amelia's hair.

"I'm fine."

"If you're sure..."

"I am." Amelia covers her face with both hands and takes a deep breath before letting it out and removing her hands with a sigh. "I just need to get through this."

There is a knock at the door that stops any more conversation. Amelia turns to Anne and both of them share a look, knowing who it is. Amelia gives Anne a nod and she leaves through her Antechamber. Amelia quickly wipes her cheeks before she turns around to face the door.

"Come in!" Amelia calls out, proud her voice doesn't crack.

Morgana walks in, wearing a breath-taking white gown. Her lips are blood red as she smiles at Amelia, looking down at her dress. "What do you think of my coronation dress, Amelia?"

Amelia makes herself smile as she takes Morgana's hands in hers, holding her at arm's length as she takes in her dress. "You've never looked more beautiful, Morgana."

Morgana smiles tearfully at her and Amelia wishes she wouldn't look at her like that. It makes her feel awful.

"Thank you, Sister. It means so much to me that you're here. It means so much to me that you're my sister. You've always been my best friend, but now that I know that we share a much closer bond, I have never been more grateful to have you in my life."

If that had come from the old Morgana, Amelia would have been in tears because of her nice words. But this was from the new Morgana, and all it does is make her feel guilty and disgusted with herself. But of course, she can't voice that out loud, so all she says is, "I feel the same way, Sister." Amelia offers Morgana her arm, trying not to let it tremble. "Now, let's go crown you Queen."

—

Morgana and Amelia stand off to the side of the Throne room as they wait for the Immortal Soldiers to bring in Uther. Once they do, they force him to his knees in front of Morgause at the front of the room where the throne is.

"Well, Uther, how the mighty have fallen." Morgause remarks with a grin. She delicately reaches down and removes Uther's crown. "I don't think you'll be needing this anymore."

"This is unlawful." Uther growls. "You cannot do this. You have no right to the throne!"

Morgana and Amelia finally step out of the shadows.

"No, she does not." Morgana says and Uther looks over at her with horror. Morgana smirks. "But I do." She walks over to stand in front of Uther, switching places with Morgause. "I am your daughter, after all."

Uther is in shock at her knowledge of her true parentage, making Morgana smirk.

"Don't look so surprised. I've known for some time." She looks over at Amelia. "And you kept the knowledge that Amelia is my sister away from me as well. You always did count on her loyalty." She looks back to Uther. "I guess we now know where her loyalty truly lies."

Amelia looks down at the floor, not bearing to look at anyone. She feels someone staring at her and looks up. She sees Arthur and Merlin lying on their fronts as they look through the railing of the Balcony above the Throne room. Amelia quickly looks away to not reveal their location.

Morgana sits on the throne. Morgause nods to a Soldier, and the Soldier shoves Geoffrey of Monmouth forward, the Queen's crown in his hands.

"By the power vested in me, I crown thee Morgana Pendragon, Queen of Camelot." He places the crown on her head.

The Immortal Soldiers push Uther into a bow. Morgana and Morgause smirk happily. Amelia tearfully looks away.