Morgana's POV

I stealthily make my way into the ruined castle. I give a small gasp when I enter. The palace is indeed extravagant if not for the fact that it's in complete disrepair. Cobwebs line the walls, indicating that no one has entered the ruins in years. The ceiling and walls are crumbling, causing debris to be scattered across the palace floor. After gazing in awe at the room for awhile longer I make my way slowly towards the dungeons of the citadel.

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When I finally reach my destination I let a devious smile slip past my lips at the sight of the seven Knights standing around an empty hearth. They remain motionless as I enter the room, their faces covered with what looks to be stone masks. There are cobwebs covering the men, indicating they must have not moved for many years. Let's hope this works or this would be a waste of precious time.

I begin to chant as I circle the seven knights. I can feel the magic boil up inside me, filling me with adrenaline. Just before the last word spills forth from my lips I turn to face the hearth. It erupts into flames when the word leaves my mouth. I grin when I hear the statuesque Knights begin to creak to life. I smirk. Perfect.

"Now, I have two simple orders for you," I say, causing the Knights heads to turn in my direction. "I want you to find Merlin, bring him to me unharmed and also... I want you to kill Uther Pendragon."

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Merlin's POV

The second I shut the door behind me my smile drops. My shoulders slump and my eyes stare down at the ground. I sigh, rubbing at my forehead with my free hand. Well, so much for sneaking out a window.

I turn and head down the corridor, quietly. A few servants look at me curiously when I pass. Some skirt away slightly, most likely weary of the unfamiliar face.

I gaze around at the white columns of the castle in slight awe as I wander about in search of the exit. I have to admit, Camelot's citadel is truly a beautiful place. The entire palace is in pristine condition. There's hardly a dent in the wall. I never had the proper chance to examine the place when I was here last. After all, it was late at night and I had a dragon waiting for my arrival.

After a few more minutes of turning down the various halls of the citadel I conclude that I'm hopelessly lost. I groan, frustrated and tired. How does anyone find anything in this place? I glance around in hopes to find someone I could ask for directions when a group of knights turn the corner at the end of the hall. I'm about to hide myself in an alcove on instinct when one of them calls out to me.

"Hey! Wait up!" The voice says, forcing me to stop in my tracks. I turn around hesitantly, afraid they'll question me about why I'm here. My shoulders relax slightly though when I see them coming at me with bright and welcoming smiles.

"There you are! We were just about to go see you in the physicians chambers," one of them, a curly haired blonde with a beard, says with a smile.

"Oh um... alright?" I say, unsure of why they were so friendly. I didn't know them. Perhaps they mistakend me for someone else?

This time a rather large man with even larger muscles chuckles. "Ah, we forgot to introduce ourselves. I'm Percival, he's Leon," the large man, Percival, points towards the curly haired blonde who gives a small wave,
"And he's Elyan," Percival gestures to a black man who gives a nod of his head and a warm smile. "We just wanted to thank you for saving our, and the prince's, life yesterday from the Griffin."

"Oh," So that's why they know me. I silently hope none of them had witnessed me using magic. Then again, they would have run me through by now if they had. "um... I'm Merlin and what do you mean I saved the prince?" I question. I don't remember there being a prince.

"Yes, the prince. He was with us on our hunt. His father is very grateful and was hoping to see you today as well if you're feeling better," Elyan says.

I immediately tense at the mere mention of the king. I did not want to see Uther. Wether he wants to reward me or not. I quickly come up with an excuse. "I'm still not quite well yet. My side still hurts so perhaps the day after tomorrow if that's fine with his royal highness?"

"I'm sure we can work something out. Anyways we best be off. Still have our rounds to do. We hope to see you soon Merlin," Leon says before the group heads off down the corridor.

When the knights disappear from sight I let out a breath of relief. That was nerve wracking. Hopefully I can get out of Camelot soon.

I walk down the hall for a little while before finally finding another servant. I ask him for directions out of the palace then head down to the courtyard with the new instructions.

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I drop my armour and Excalibur on the floor once I enter my room at the  inn. I glance around. It's rather small. Most likely could only house two or three people tops. There's a single bed in the corner of the room furthest from the door while a desk accompanied by a single chair lies beside it. A small cupboard is located to the right of the door and the chamber pot sits by itself opposite the bed. There's a single window directly in front of the door. It's small and only allows limited light to filter through. The rooms cozy and quite. Just the way I like it.

I stretch and slump down on the bed. I let out a sigh. Now that I'm alone, all my problems come flooding back. Namely, about Arthur. My heart aches at the thought of him. At the thought of the girl, Gwen, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. I feel a pang of jealousy at the memory. I let out a deep sigh. I guess it's a good thing I never told him. If he has someone then it's best he never knows. It's best we remain friends, if that's even possible for us anymore.

I turn over in my bed and try to shut my eyes, hoping sleep will force the pain away, even for only a few hours. I feel the lids of my eyes fall shut for only a few heartbeats before the door to my room swings open loudly. I turn angrily towards the door, my eyes glaring daggers at whoever dared to interrupt my sleep. The irritation immediately fades when I see who's framed against the door. It's none other then the clotpole himself.

I groan and turn back around in the bed so I'm facing the wall. I did not need to see his face right now. "Leave," I mumble out, hoping I sounded commanding.

Instead of hearing Arthur shut the door and leave I hear the exact opposite. Arthur shuts the door behind him and walks further into the room, pulling the chair from the desk and spinning it around so it would face the bed. "Merlin?" He says quietly.

I consider pretending not to hear him but realize that's probably stupid. He'll just wait. "What?" I ask, making sure the irritation is clear in my voice.

"I just wanted to... um..." He seems to contemplate his words.

I turn around to face him. "Arthur what ever you want to say just say it. I don't have all day."

Arthur looks around nervously. I see him play with the corner of the bed sheets before he takes in a couple of deep breaths. "I... I..."

"You what?"

"I... lo-" he stops. I can see his face start turning bright red. The tips of his ears turn a slight shade of pink. I sit up cross legged on the bed, staring him down so he would hurry up and leave me be.

I see Arthur screw his eyes shut. He balls his hands into fists. "I love you Merlin!"

I'm taken aback. Did he... did he just? I stare at him completely astonished. My heart begins to jump for joy. Butterflies erupt into my stomach making it churn. I can feel a blush creep up on my cheeks as well. Arthur loves me? That can't be. I must have fallen asleep. I pinch myself. The pain seems to bring me down from my ecstasy although only slightly. I look around. Arthur's still there. His eyes shut and fists clenched at his side in nervousness.

I'm not dreaming.

"What about Gwen?" I ask cautiously. Doesn't he have a lover? Why does he love me? Or is this a cruel joke.

Arthur opens his eyes to look at me. He seems relieved when I don't seem angry only curious. "There is nothing going on between Guinevere and I. We are merely friends," he says simply and sincerely.

I search his eyes for any hint of a lie. I don't find any. He's telling the truth. Relief floods over me taking the jealousy away with it. So Arthur isn't taken.

I look back up at Arthur. He looks expectant, like a puppy waiting for its master to come home. I can see a small spark of hope in his eyes as he waits for my response. I let a smile slip from my mask. Arthur notices and immediately perks up.

"Arthur," I begin. He seems to straighten a little when I say his name. "Do you mean it?"

"Of course. I love you Merlin. With all my heart."

My smile grows wider. The next thing I know I have my arms wrapped tightly around him. I smirk as his eyes widen at my sudden attack. I snuggle into his neck, never realizing how much I had wanted to do this. "I love you too clotpole."

I feel Arthur's arms gently wrap itself around me. His chin rests on my shoulder as he nuzzles at my hair. "So you've forgiven me?"

"I forgave you long ago. I could never hate you."

Arthur pulls back slightly, just enough to look me in the eyes. "What do you mean? I insulted you! I thought you were furious!"

I look down ashamed. "I'm sorry. I realize now it was only an excuse. I... had realized I love you and I became scared. I was afraid you would reject me. I wanted to hide from you because it hurt knowing that I could never have you because I'm a sorcerer. It hurt every time I looked at you. It hurt the longer I stayed with you so I tried to push you away. I'm nothing but a coward that hides from his problems. Even now, I'm still hiding. There are problems I'm running from that no one knows about. Problems I've simply pushed to the back of my mind, hoping that time will make me forget and make them disappear." I stare down at my lap, sadness washes over me as I remember what Kilgharrah had said, 'A tragedy shall soon befall both Camelot and the Resistance. You must be ready, for your time is coming.' Even now, months after my encounter with the great dragon I still have no clue as to what he spoke of.

I'm interrupted from my brooding by Arthur cupping my face in his hands. He leans down and presses his lips to mine. I gasp in surprise, not expecting the sudden contact. My heart begins to hammer violently, almost bursting from my chest. I slowly shut my eyes and melt into the feeling. His lips are warm against mine. They taste faintly of wine. It only lasts for a moment before Arthur pulls away, much to my disappointment. He smiles down at me with gentle eyes. "You're not a coward Merlin. I've done the same. I hid from my feelings because I thought you would leave if I told you. You're not the only one. Don't belittle yourself. You're the bravest man I've ever met. The most courageous, the most worthy of being even a knight. Now I don't know what problems you have been facing but know that I'm always here to help. You can talk to me when you're ready. Perhaps we can work it out. Together."

I feel a tear prickle at the corner of my eyes. I wipe it away quickly before flashing him a smile. "Thank you Arthur. Thank you." I curl into his chest again. I feel his hand start to gently run through my hair.

We sit there for awhile, basking in each other's presence. Nothing could be better. If I could, I would have frozen time right then and there but unfortunately that's not possible. Things had to go wrong.

A bell tolls across Camelot, startling us both from our trance. Arthur's the first to react. He stands quickly, tearing his arms away. I miss his warmth instantly. I shiver as the cold breeches my chest now that Arthur has moved. I turn to look at him. He's already out the door. I stand and grab Excalibur before racing out the door behind him.

Dread begins to build in my gut while I'm running down the steps to the first floor of the inn, taking two at a time. I swallow the lump in my throat. Is the tragedy set to befall Camelot beginning?