Not a Matter of Choice [Arthur]

[mysery]

The dungeons of Camelot were colder than she remembered. Then again, the atmosphere of the place wasn't helped by the way the guards kept furitively looking in on her. It was with a mix of confusion, fear and pity that they watched over her this time, though Morgana suspected that, unlike the others, there would be no order to have her released in the morning. Uther had summoned the guards in full view of the court and had her dragged down here to be locked up. As heartless as he appeared sometimes, Morgana had seen the pain on his face and part of her had hated that she'd put it there.

It had been a pure accident of course. While in the courtyard with the court, seeing off someone who, in retrospect was of little consequence to Morgana, a horse and cart had broken loose. Her position put her in its errant way, and even Arthur couldn't cross the distance fast enough to save her. But saved she had been, and it was only when the cart finally stilled, on its side, half crushed, that Morgana realised what had happened. Like the vase in her room.... like the candle.... magic had errupted from within her and acted without her will.

Almost the entirety of Camelot's court had seen it. There was no denying it this time. Morgana had used magic. The worst part of it was that she hadn't meant to. Just like the other times. Merlin had said he could help her, that the druids could help her, but nothing had come of that venture other than Arthur raiding their camps looking to rescue her from her 'kidnappers'. There was nothing Morgana could have done about this. So, when the shock finally seemed to fade from everyone's faces, Uther had ordered the guards to sieze her. They had hesitated, she had noticed, but they couldn't disobey their King. And thus Morgana had been dragged down to the dungeons and locked up like a criminal.

That was where she had remained for almost a full day now. It was rough to sleep in, this she already knew, but she had managed a little bit of peace. Now however the reality was sinking home. She had demonstrated magic before King Uther Pendragon of Camelot. Her life was now in the hands of the man who executed children for having magic. What hope did Morgana have against such blind hatred?

Pulling her legs up and arranging her dress so it didn't tie her up in knots, Morgana rested her chin on her knees and sighed.

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Setting: Camelot's Dungeons

Tiimeline: After 'The Nightmare Begins'

Tag: Arthur Pendragon