Can't Turn A Blind Eye

[Arthur Pendragon]

This was so wrong. So very wrong. He didn't even know how it happened! Everything had seemed fine this morning, this afternoon . . . and now . . . he was escorting Morgana to the dungeons. He couldn't even look at her as he did so. He just walked ahead as the guards behind him were on either side of her, holding her arm and following their prince's lead. How had it come to this? Had Arthur not been there to witness it with the dozens of other people, he would not have believed it. He would not have believed so many people claim to have seen the same thing. Because . . . well, because it was Morgana. His sister of heart! How? How could she have magic? How could he have grown up with her and never known about this? He knew about her dreams but . . . now it was explained. He recalled his conversation with her when he'd woken up from his deathbed when having been bitten by the Questing Beast.

Her dreams had told her so much, as she explained that she knew he was in danger. Now, it was discovered that it was the work of magic. Did that mean Arthur believed she deserved to die? No. But he feared what his father would do. He knew he loved Morgana as a daughter . . . so would he show mercy? Would he make an exception? Arthur knew he couldn't do that without looking like the greatest hypocrite. The people would rebel; all those who had lost loved ones would fight against him for injustice and the favoritism he showed his ward. What would he do? For . . . they could not kill Morgana. No. Surely they could not. There couldn't even be a trial though because there was no doubt about it. Morgana had magic. But, Arthur couldn't watch her die. He refused to. He knew his father was irrational when it came to sorcery but . . . surely he wouldn't condemn her?! She was family! That would be like condemning his son if he had any magic. Would he? Did his father's hatred for magic surpass his love for his son and adoptive daughter?

No. Arthur couldn't believe that. He refused to believe that. When they arrived at the dungeons, the guards brought her in, as Arthur stood near the entrance. They were about to put the shackles and chains on her when Arthur raised his hand to stop them. "Don't," he ordered, and the guards immediately ceased, keeping her wrists and ankles free of the bindings. It was clear that they too were a bit uncomfortable with having brought the Lady Morgana to the dungeons . . . but everyone understood why. And no one would dispute it. "Leave us," he said in a stern voice. The men were once again hesitant, but followed orders regardless. They left the dungeon and closed the door behind them. Leaving Arthur standing there on the other side of the large cell. He still couldn't look at her. His eyes were downcast to the ground and off to the side, as if trying to let his mind come to terms with the fact that she had magic in her. All this time, she had magic.

_{Setting: The dungeon
Time of Day: Night time
Timeline: Sometime in season 2
What If: Morgana's magic was discovered before she became evil
Tag: Morgana}

[mpend]

As Morgana descended the steps down to the dungeons, she ignored the hands holding her arms, ignored the Pendragon who was almost marching behind her, ignored everything. For if she were, even just for a moment, to accept what was happening, her resolve would break, and she feared what she might say or do. Tears shone in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall; her whole body was lightly trembling, and yet it seemed as though the man she had grown up with, her brother in all but blood, did not care. Indeed, he was leading her to her fate.

Looking back, she should have known. Uther's hatred for magic had even consumed Arthur, and thus it only seemed reasonable, really, that the Prince should feel the same way about her magic. But... but... at the same time... Morgana closed her eyes for a brief second, forcing the thoughts to stop. Tears once again threatened to fall, but she refused to let them, and as Arthur raised a hand, she flinched back, wondering if he would hit her, when he simply ordered the guards to dismiss chaining her.

Though the Prince demanded they be left alone, he would not look at her. Bitterness stole through Morgana's heart - of course, how could he see her as anything but a gutless monster after his father's ruling? Uther's life's work had been to destroy all those of her kind, how could she have ever thought Arthur would be any different? The Lady lowered her eyes, then raised them. "If you're staying to gloat, I would say all you have to say, and then leave me be." she stated quietly, cooly. "I'm sure your father wishes to go over my execution plans, and I'm sure you would not wish to miss them."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"If you're staying to gloat, I would say all you have to say, and then leave me be." He could hear the bitterness and resentment in her tone. Though he remained silent, his eyes slowly went to her, unsure of what emotion was there: anger, hurt, sadness . . . perhaps a combination of all three. "I'm sure your father wishes to go over my execution plans, and I'm sure you would not wish to miss them." As if it was so easy. Did she really think it was so simple to cast judgment . . . on her of all people? Is that how much she doubted them? Arthur felt hurt; hurt that she had not trusted him enough to tell her a great secret like this. Instead, they all had to find out in public so that it was impossible to ignore. He could have tried to protect her! He could have done something, anything to prevent it from coming to this. "Is that why you think I am here, to gloat?" He asked in a solemn voice. How had it come to this, Morgana exposed and imprisoned.

Exposed for something he had not known about; imprisoned for something he wished he could have protected her from. Had she been able to give him the opportunity to do so. After several moments of silence . . . he could not longer control the words that ripped at his heart. "How could you keep this from me?!" He asked in a stern voice, his voice angry though the anger was not only a result of her not telling him . . . but of the fear he felt for her. The fear of the consequences this could bring. . How could she have kept this from him?! How could he have grown up with her, and known nothing about how she had magic. Yes, he knew about her dreams . . . but this was so very different. She knew she had magic and she had not told him. "You should have told me," he added in a lower voice, though an equally serious one. She should have told him. She should have trusted him. And he prayed with every part of him that his father would not sentence her to pay the same price others who used sorcery were forced to pay.

[mpend]

"Why else would you have come?" the Ward questioned, with weariness in her voice, hating the atmophere between them. But how could she really be surprised? Arthur, the Prince of Camelot, was the son of Uther Pendragon, who hated all magic users with a passion. How could she have possibly expected him to react differently to her guardian? Why would she have any reason to think Arthur would think any more of her than Uther did?

Tears threatened to fall ocne again, and as Arthur's voice rippled through the air, tought with anger, Morgana could do nothing but stare at him. Why was he so concerned that she had kept such a thing from him? Why did it matter to him so much? "Why should I have told you?" she asked with a bite to her words. "Should i have told you so you could run to your beloved father, and expose me for the... thing I am? I know your view on magic - everyone's view in Camelot!! Those who practice it are put behind bars and then executed, and you are as much a part of it as your father! Do I need remind you of Gwen's father, Arthur? What about the other men you've helped Uther murder?" she shook her head, even as Arthur spoke once more, his voice much lower this time.

"I owed you nothing," she stated quietly. "And I knew the penalty of trusting you. I knew you would go to him, and I knew I woudl be dead within the day." a tired chuckle rippled through her lips as the ward's eyes looked about her. "I suppose that fate was coming to me anyhow."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"Why else would you have come?" Why else? "Why should I have told you?" Why should she have told him? Her questions were so harsh as her following statements were. It made him feel as if . . . as if she didn't trust him. Not in the slightest. They had grown up with each other, she was his sister in all ways apart from blood. Did she really so strongly believe that he would have told his father had she come to him and entrusted him with such a secret? One that jeopardized her life. He hated to think that in all the years they had known each other, he'd not done enough to earn her trust, when she was the one who had been lying to him for all that time. The reminder of Guinevère's father caused a sharp pain to enter his chest. He knew he was not exempt from blame for that, for he wished he could have done more to stop the guards from killing him. Had he been there, he would have. And he hated knowing that his father was the reason that Guinevère no longer had her father. Arthur remained silent for several moments, just absorbing her harsh words. She seemed like such a different Morgana; one that was so contrasting to the one he knew . . . or thought he knew.

Was this how she really felt? So, bitter and angry toward not only his father, but him as well? "You know that I do not agree with my father's harsh laws," he began to say. Surely she knew this . . . no, she had to know this. How many times had she supported him? Told him he was a better man for having more lenience? Had those all been lies? "How have I failed you so terribly that you have no trust for me?" He questioned, trying to hide the pain in his voice of acknowledging this. He had failed her in some way if she felt like this. If she felt that he was just like his father . . . that she owed him nothing, not even the truth. "It seems I have overestimated our relationship," he added in a low voice. If she held such little trust for him, then yes; he had thought they were closer than they actually were. In his mind, they were like brother and sister. In hers . . . she was just another man she feared.

"How can you say these things," he asked in a bit of a demanding voice, unable to hide his anger and hurt in her saying this. "When you came to me and said Guinevère was innocent, and that you needed my help, I helped you." For they had gone to the caves and killed the afanc -- the real source of the sickness that had infected the city. "When you asked me to break the law, and help the druid boy escape, I aided you." He had blatantly gone against the king to help her. Not only because she asked, but because he did not believe an innocent boy should die. "So how can you stand there and tell me that I would have gone to my father? How can you trust me so little when I held nothing but trust for you!" He knew his voice was raising and he tried to compose himself, not wanting to yell at her but . . . how could he stand here and just let her say such things. When he felt their past had shown otherwise. It was as if she acknowledged none of that; only of all the wrong that he had done, instead of any good. Which . . . contradicted all that she had told him in the past.

[mpend]

The anger that ripped through her was refreshing, a change from the fear that was beginning to feel like a familiar and unwelcomed friend. Morgana tried to quell it even so as Arthur stared at her, her whole body trembling lightly as she tried to understand the emotions flickering in the Prince's eyes. As Arthur spoke, she could feel the anger dying as quickly as it had come, and tears slowly fell from the Ward's eyes. Yes, he was right. By all the Goddess', he was right! She should have trusted him - she knew, she knew Arthur was not like Uther, how could she have even pretended to think otherwise? As he said that he thought he had overestimated their relationship, Morgana's resolve broke, and she crumbled to the floor, sobbing quietly, her chest heaving as she did so.

"Forgive me," she whispered, in choked breaths. "Forgive me, please forgive me. For you are right. I..." Her voice failed her, and she closed her eyes, trying to regain herself, failing miserably. "You have always been there for me," Stated Morgana. "Always been a true and loyal friend. Nay, more than a friend. You are all but a brother to me, Arthur, and I should have c... come to you," another sob, and her words began to break around her tears. "I was so terrified, I did not know how to... I... I wasn't sure who to... to turn to, or even if..." she shook her head. "I tried so... so hard to... t... to deny it, to..."

Morgana's voice faded and she looked up at the man who she had grown with, feeling sickness pooling in her stomach as tears continued to run down her face. "I am so sorry, Arthur," she whispered, dropping her head in shame. "Perhaps it is right that I... face this fate, this ... death."

[Arthur Pendragon]

The moment Morgana asked for forgiveness, any anger that Arthur had immediately diminished. For it was replaced with hurt and pain . . . over seeing her like this. The way she spoke, her words stuttering and the tears that had threatened to form in her eyes, now falling freely. What anger was on his face, softened into sadness. He hated seeing her like this. He should not be yelling at her. While he was still hurt that she had not entrusted him with his . . . her motives for not doing so were clear. It was due to fear. And he knew that to a certain extent, they were justified. For his father became irrational and unpredictable when he heard the word magic. He just, hadn't wanted her to deal with this on her own. He wanted to be there for her. To help her through it. To fulfill the title of brother he had prided himself in, for she was his sister. Her words also provided him with the reassurance that he had not overestimated their relationship. That she felt the same as him, acknowledging that he'd been there for her.

He just . . . hadn't been there enough, that was something he knew and would admit. Because if he had, then she would not have been put in this position. Unable to bare the distance any longer, he slowly approached her, now standing in front of her. His hands went to either of her upper arms, slightly lowering his head so that he could make direct eye contact with her. "You do not deserve this fate Morgana," he told her in a strong and confident voice. She did not deserve to die. Yes, she had magic but that did not make him forget the past several years together. She was not automatically an entirely different person because of magic . . . was she? Arthur did not know anyone that he was extremely close to that had magic -- and for good reason. Morgana was a prime example of why. Because it was dangerous. To think, that all this time, she had been so close to him and his father . . . having magic. She must have lived in fear of being exposed every single day, and it made Arthur wish even more than she had not bared the weight alone.

That he could have been there with her, to help her. "Nothing has changed." And yet everything had changed. But he continued to speak to clarify what he had meant. "You are still a sister to me. And I will find a way to get you out of here." It would not be easy; there was no denying that. If they did release her, there would be severe political repercussions. If they did not release her . . . Arthur could not even consider the alternative; it was too painful. "Perhaps this will show my father that not everyone with magic is evil," he said with a hopeful voice. Since clearly, Morgana was not evil enchantress. She was . . . well, Morgana. A woman that everyone loved dearly. She had no ounce of evilness in her . . . surely, his father would have to consider that. Surely, he would not dismiss all the love he had for her these past several years. Yet, Arthur could not swear by it . . . because, he did not know what was running through his father's mind right now.

[mpend]

As Arthur promised her that she did not deserve to die, the disgraced Ward raised her head, meeting the eyes she knew so well, perhaps better than her own. "I should have told you," she murmured, not arguing with him but simply stating facts as they filtered through her mind. "but I... I did not know what to say." She closed her eyes briefly, tears continuing to run down her features.

"You will always be a brother to me," she whispered in response to his words. "But I cannot allow you to stand in the way of your father's word. I will see you two distanced because of me. Because of this..." Morgana's voice faltered, and she shivered a little, taking another breath to try to calm herself. As the Prince spoke of hope, she shook her head, sadly. "We both know that will never happen," she stated. "For Uther will always hate those who possess magic. Do you remember what he nearly did to Gaius? How he probed him with questoins?" she swallowed, biting her lip. "Gaius was only trying to protect me, and Uther nearly had him executed. So why woudl he not do the same to me?"

Her eyes opened once more, and Morgana met the blonde's eyes. "You must not do anything to try and save me, Arthur." she murmured. "Please. I must accept whatever fate the King has planned for me, and you must not get involved. To do so I fear would be foolish, even though the loyalty would be much appreciated."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I should have told you." Arthur was not going to argue with that. "Yes. You should have," he agreed, though it was more in a saddened way that with bitterness at the concealment of such a secret. He could not be angry with her at such a time. He wanted to support her, to find a way to save her. For he refused to believe that this would be the last conversation they ever had. Even with her telling him that she could not allow him to intervene. He would not comply with that. He would not just say goodbye to her here and then accept the fact that he would never see her again. If that was what the king decided. No. He could not . . . would not let that happen. He had to believe that his father would see sense. That he would not condemn his own ward. Arthur would pray for that, but not rely on it. For if -- IF -- it was decided that she would be sentenced to death, then Arthur would need to think of another plan to save her.

His hope for the former of his father seeing reason declined a bit when she brought up the example of Gaius. She was right. As much as Arthur hated to admit it, she was right. Gaius was one of his most trust friends and he had sentenced him to death. Would he really do the same thing to his adoptive daughter though? He had known Gaius for longer than Morgana however but . . . Arthur wasn't sure what to think. History showed -- and made one assume -- that his tolerance for magic was non existent. But Arthur's faith in his father was what kept him hopeful. To hear that Gaius had tried to protect Morgana . . . had the physician known of her magic all along? Arthur hoped this was not revealed to the king, for it would cause his friendship with Gaius to suffer to and would only make matters worse. This entire situation was complicated enough . . . no further complexities needed to be added on to it.

"You must not do anything to try and save me, Arthur." Surely, she did not expect him to actually agree to that. "Morgana, I will do everything to try and save you," he said, directly contradicting her words. He would not make such promises of standing by idly and letting this happen. He did not believe she deserved to die for this. For having something that was out of her control. "As much as I enjoy debating with you," he said with a slight smile, a small attempt to lighten the mood though he knew it would take more than a couple of words and jokes to do so. "This is not something you should try to convince me of. I will not stand idly and let my father pass judgment, should it be something I disagree with." Meaning, should she be sentenced to die. "If the situation were reversed, I know that you would not stand by either." He was trying to tell her to see it the other way around.

Because if he was the one locked up, then he knew that she would not just leave him to whatever fate Uther left him to. She would defend him. He knew she would, and that was what he was trying to do; make her understand that he would not forsake her. "I am not going to abandon you. We will find a way out of this," he said confidently. Even if his relationship with his father suffered because of it. It was a risk worth taking. And it would not be the first time that he butted heads with his father because they disagreed on something. Arthur often spoke his mind, even if it was in direct conflict with his father's decision. This was something that would be no exception . . . though if his father did sentence her to be executed or burned, then it would be the greatest debate that the father and son ever had. And it would not end with words. For if she was sentenced to die, Arthur would find a way to save her . . . regardless of the cost.

[mpend]

As Arthur swore once more to try and save her from his father's wrath, the Ward bit her lip, taking his hands. "Arthur, please. I am begging you. Do not risk everything for me." But as the Prince pointed out that she woudl not have stood by if it were he in her situation, she could not deny his words. For Morgana knew that if ever the same situation should arise for Arthur, she would do everything in her power - Uther be damned - to save him, to protect him.

"We both know that if your father turns a blind eye, and lets me live, the people will rise against him," she stated. "I do not hold any illusions that they care for me, but there are many that have suffered under his hate, and to see his ward treated so differently would do nothign but anger them. Would you really risk that, for me? Risk the peace of Camelot?" Morgana met Arthur's eyes, chewing slightly on her lip. "I am not going to convince you against this, am I?"

[Arthur Pendragon]

Her pleas, even whilst holding his hands, could not change his mind. He was usually weak, and often gave in to whatever she was asking of him . . . but not this time. Not when there was so much as stake, and she was asking him not to do something to keep himself safe. When it left her in danger. He would never agree to such terms. Even when she tried to convince him otherwise, usually points of logic. For the political repercussions she spoke of were fears that he shared. He knew that there would be severe consequences if his father let her live . . . but that it would kill him -- and Arthur -- if they lost her. That was why Arthur was so afraid. Because he didn't know if his father would put the kingdom above Morgana. Was he too stubborn to lessen the harsh penalty of the use of magic? Would this be something that he would be willing to change the law for?

Arthur prayed so, but if there was one thing that he was certain of . . . it was his father's hatred for magic. "I would risk everything for you Morgana. If I could take your place right now, I would do so in the blink of an eye," he told her with the utmost sincerity. "But it is not just about that," he added. Though saving her was reason enough. "It is about doing what is just. And this, you locked up in a dungeon is not justice." For she had done nothing wrong. She had not used her magic to take the life of another. She had not used it to cause harm to anyone. It was just something she naturally had. While Arthur's knowledge of magic was extremely limited and he had see it used for more evil than good, there were certain circumstances where he could not imagine he person with it using it for evil. Morgana, was a prime example.

Besides, Arthur had always challenged his father when he believed there was an injustice taking place. This, was injustice. And he would not back down from her. Not when his sister's life was at stake. "I am not going to convince you against this, am I." He gave a faint smile at her words, his answer to them immediate in his mind. And thus, he brought it to voice to make sure he did not cause doubt in her. "No. You are not. So you best stop trying, and help me think of a way to get you out of here." He would obviously speak to his father about it but . . . he could not solely rely on that. He needed a back up plan. Just in case. Even if it meant she had to flee the kingdom. While it would kill him not to have her near, it was better that she was alive than dead.

[mpend]

The words Arthur spoke humbled the young ward, and tears rose, unbidden to her eyes. She had known he had cared for her as a brother cares for a sister, but she had not known how much, it was true. "Your life matters more than mine," she argued quietly, truthfully. "You are the future King and a good man, and I am... nothing." Truly, she believed her own words. For why else would Uther throw here down here? After all they had known, all they had shared, why would he not even see her?

The brunette swallowed, looking up at the Pendragon innocently, her eyes filled with tears. "Are you saying that... despite what I am, you do not despise me?" she asked, hopefully. "For if I can die with the knowledge that I have not lost you, I will die with peace in my heart, and a friend and brother by my side."

Though Arthur confirmed her words, that he would not give up, no matter what she said, the woman smiled, though very faintly, a sort of sad smile that spoke of years of understanding. "There is no exit here, Arthur. Your father will most likely expect some sort of plan. Especially from you, considering how close we..." she sighed, shaking her head. "I will not endanger you. I will not allow you to put yourself at risk for me, Arthur. Please?" Morgana gripped the young man's hands, gently. "If I have ever meant anything to you" - it was a harsh card, but she would play it, if it meant keeping Arthur safe - "You will listen to me, and do as I ask."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"Your life matters more than mine." Arthur looked at her when she said this. How could she believe that to be true? His disagreement and disapproval of her words grew when she spoke of how he was a future king, a good man and that she was nothing. Arthur never thought his life more valuable than another. He would put himself in between a threat and a citizen, a servant, a peasant . . . anyone in this kingdom. Because he was not worth more than anyone else. "Don't say that," he said in a stern tone that stemmed from disbelief of her words. And strong disapproval. "My life is not more valuable than yours or anyone else's." He believed in equality. He believed that people were all worth something, regardless of their position in the social hierarchy. It was something that he was believing more and more in ever since befriending Merlin and falling in love with a servant.

"Are you saying that... despite what I am, you do not despise me?" His heart broke at the fact that she even had to ask. And he knew his father was to blame. For degrading those with magic; for making them seem so worthless and disposable. "Listen to me very carefully Morgana," he began, looking intently into her eyes, with strong intensity as he wanted her to believe his words. "You are still the same woman you have always been to me. One that drives me crazy at times, and one that I return the favor to. A woman who I have grown up with, and have the honor and privilege of calling my sister. You are still the Morgana that I love, and the one that I would protect with my life." He knew that they only grew so sentimental when circumstances called for it . . . and this was no exception. "So do not doubt for a moment, that I despise you. Or think of you differently." Had he wished that she'd been more honest with him? Yes. Was he hurt that she had lied to him? Yes. But she was still Morgana. Her magic did not make her any less of a person, or any less of a sister.

"You are not going to die," he said, immediately disagreeing with her words. "Neither of us are going to lose each other, so strike such thoughts from your mind." He wanted her to clear her head with such fears . . . for he was not going to let it happen. He would find a way to free her. He didn't care if he had to use legal or illegal means to do so. "Since when have I ever needed your allowance to do something?" He said a bit teasingly, knowing that they were both stubborn in that sense. And he was not just going to submit to the most obvious fate Morgana may be subjected to. Not even when she tried to trap him with her words of claiming that if she meant anything to him, then he would do nothing. He was not going to fall for that. "And if I have ever meant anything to you, then you would not ask such things of me," he said, turning around her words. She would not expect inaction from him. Surely, she knew him better than that.

[mpend]

She had expected him to retort, but not with the sterness and belief that he injected into his words. Guilt slammed into Morgana - she should have told him. She should have trusted him. Arthur was like no one she had ever met before; she had known this since they were children, so why had she been so afraid he would betray her? Her head lowered in shame, and tears rose to her eyes once again. As he continued to say that she was still the same woman, that he loved her nonetheless, and that for him, she had not change, the tears began to fall. Morgana looked up, shakily, her sorrow clear in her gaze.

"Please forgive me," she choked out. "Forgive me for keeping this from you, for lying to you, for not believing in you." she swallowed. "I did not know where to turn," her words were honest and rang with sincerity. "And I thought... if you knew... you would despise me. For your father hates everything to do with magic, and even if you thought of me as you say you do, you would be put in a terrible position," She swallowed, shaking her head.

As he warned her that he would not stand by and do nothing, Morgana's heart filled with relief, and fear. Not for herself, but for him. The brunette bit her lip. "Arthur..." She began, then stopped. No. He was right, she did know him well enough to know he would not allow such a thing to happen. "you are a true brother to me, Arthur," she said instead. "I am honoured to know you... and to know that you do not hate me humbles me to the depths of my soul."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"Forgive me for keeping this from you, for lying to you, for not believing in you." While he knew that right now was not the appropriate time to be angry with her -- and perhaps angry was the wrong word -- he would be lying if he said he wasn't hurt by her secrecy. By her withholding something so grand from him. "I do wish you would have told me," he said, her next words not being dismissed by him. He was only re-enforcing his wish that she had been more honest with him. Though he could understand the need to keep it from his father . . . he just wished she had not kept it from him. He'd hoped she knew him better than that, but perhaps he fear of the situation was what clouded her judgment. "I would have been able to better protect you. And you would not have been alone in your burden." Of having to hide her magic.

'But it can not be changed now. What is done is done, and we must focus on freeing you." Through legal or . . . illegal methods. It would not be the first time Arthur had defied his father, for he had once helped the druid boy Mordred escape. He was willing to take that risk, so he sure as hell was willing to take this one too."Did anyone else know, before it was revealed to all?" He asked. He wondered if she'd mentioned it to anyone before . . . if there were those out there that held this knowledge. It would only enrage his father further, and Arthur would need to make sure they did not come forward for any reason. He gave a small smile when she spoke of him being a true brother. "I promise you, we will find a safe place for you to go. Even if it can not be here." Somewhere she was safe. He couldn't help but think of the druids . . . yet, even though he didn't believe everyone with magic was evil, didn't mean he trusted all those with magic.

[mpend]

There was nothing more that could drive Morgana to tears than the disappointed tone of her brother-of-heart's voice. To know she had failed him in this way broke her very soul, and the brunette bowed her head a little, ashamed to look at the man she thought of as family, despite there being no blood tie there. "I wish I had also," she whispered quietly, in return to his words. "I wanted to protect you, I... thought it was for the best..." Words, all words. Would he ever trust her again? She meant everything she said, but... after such a betrayal, would he truly believe her? She would not exactly blame him if he did not.

"What's done is done," She repeated quietly, then looked up as he stated that she must be freed. The brunette swallowed. "Arthur..." She hesitated, biting her lip, taking a slow breath. "You cannot take such a risk for me..." Was there any point in trying to pursuade him? Was there any point in trying to ask her brother-of-heart ot simply let his father deal out the punishment they were both evidently sure he would pass upon her? She suspected not. But then he asked whether anyoen else had known, and the brunette shook her head, raising it a little to meet his eyes, her own open and honest. "No one." she whispered, wondering if he would at last realise how lonely it had been, to hold this great secret, this... burden. How much she had wished for someone to know, to understand, or if not to understand, then at least as a comforting shoulder. But if she had allowed it, if she had trusted him, then Arthur would have been that shoulder.... but trusting him with such a thing had not been something Morgana had allowed herself to do, not knowing what his view would be.

She swallowed as he spoke of sending her away, biting her lip. "You will risk yourself if you try to help me," she stated quietly. "If your father plans for my execution, then someone setting me free would not be recieved well by him." she bit her lip. "I do not want anyone else to suffer...."