Faith Alone Will Guide You

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was not sure what had just happened. Well, he was not stupid. He knew full well what it meant when his father had said he was 'disinherited' . . . but Arthur could not understand why. His father had always welcomed his council in the past -- as he pointed out to him -- and he was only trying to be true to himself -- another fact that he had pointed out to the king -- but his father did not seem to be interested in an explanation. He had done it, so easily, without a second thought, and that fact alone, devastated Arthur. He didn't doubt that the Lady Catrina had something to do with this. Somehow, she was convincing his father to do certain things, increasing taxes just being one of the many. But he knew the King, he knew that he was a stubborn man, and not at all naive. So how was she able to turn him against his own son?

Arthur knew that disobeying his father was not too uncommon, granted, he did it with the best intentions in mind. This, of all things, was not the worst way that he had shown his disobedience. But it seemed to be the last straw for Uther. Arthur was no longer crown prince, he had no title, no rank, no privileges -- though by some miracle, he was not banished for the castle yet. It would only be a matter of time before that probably happened. Was Arthur still even his father's son? Or was that relationship abolished too, along with his titles and inheritance? He wasn't sure what to think anymore. He didn't doubt that Catrina would help sway his mind . . . and Arthur was defenseless in doing anything about it. But he would NOT let the people suffer, he refused.

Unsure of what to do, he was just standing in his chambers, staring out the window as he stood at the windowsill, his arms folded across his chest. His mind so very deep in thought. The people were suffering and he had no power to do anything. Not formally anyway. And while he hoped it would never come to that . . . he knew that he would defend the people with every ounce of strength in them. That he could not abandon them. Yet with Uther's hasty decision of disowning Arthur, he knew that the council would be hesitant to say anything. Uther always had a temper but this was just at a whole new level. And no one knew quite what to expect from the king and his soon to be queen. Hearing a knock at the door distracted his thoughts. "Come," he called, though did not break his gaze from looking out the window.


_{Setting: Arthur's chambers
Time of Day: Afternoon-ish
Timeline: During Beauty and the Beast II
Tag: Morgana
Note: Layout soon to come!}

[mpend]

In any other circumstances, Morgana might have chuckled to see the look of shock on Arthur's face as he was denounced by the older Pendragon. But in this particular circumstance, no. The decision for Uther to disinherit Arthur was one that no one could have imagined, and the Lady could not begin to guess at why the King might make such a decision. Standing in her chambers, the maiden paced a few moments, before pausing and eventually moving, taking a nearby plate of untouched food, and walking briskly from her room and through the halls to Arthur's door, pausing briefly. Would he welcome her company? Would he have already left Camelot? He had been disinherited - what reason was there for him to stay? She truly hoped he would not consider leaving - sometimes he was the only thing that made Camelot bearable.

She had already attempted to talk to the King, but to no avail. Uther was stubborn, it was true. Morgana, hwoever, was just as stubborn, and she intended to right the wrongs somehow between the two Pendragon. She just wasn't entirely sure how yet. With a sigh Morgana rapped on the door once, praying the Prince would not turn her away at such a time. Depsite their differences, they had always seen each other through. Oh, they argued and bickered, but one way or another, they pulled through for each other when the other needed them. And Arthur, whether the stubborn man would admit it or not, needed Morgana right now.

Opening the door as the Pendragon's voice admitted her, the brunette cleared her throat, biting her lip. "I thought you might be hungry," she stated softly, placing the food down nearby, before shutting the door behind her. "Uther is just angry, Arthur. He will not make this decision stand... he loves you, despite how easily and effectively he tries to hide it," she managed a soft smile, moving over and pressing a hand to the Prince's shoulder. "You will be King one day, Arthur. He is just... blinded by the Lady Catrina."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I thought you might be hungry." Arthur turned his head to see Morgana standing there with a plate of food. A faint smile formed on his lips at her compassion. She was one of the few people who's company he would never shun. She was nothing less than a sister to him. They bickered and teased like any pair of siblings would, but they also supported one another, loved each other . . . and that was why now -- especially now -- he was utterly grateful for her presence. Even if it wasn't so easy to admit. After all, speaking of his feelings was not Arthur's strong suit. "Thank you," he said in a low voice, though he had no appetite at the moment. It did not mean he wasn't appreciative of her gesture; of her taking care of him. He looked back out the window as she offered words of hope. Arthur wanted to believe them, desperately . . . but he wasn't sure that he could. He had seen the anger in his father's eyes and everyone knew that Uther was a stubborn man. One who's decisions were difficult to change once his mind was made up.

He felt her hand touch his shoulder, and put his on top of hers, as he turned to look at her. There were three people who knew Uther incredibly well: Arthur, Gaius and then Morgana. Which was why he wanted to find comfort in her words, but . . . he didn't know if he could. Not trying to be the dramatic cynic or anything, but because he had never upset his father to that extent. He had upset him enough for Uther to lock him in the dungeons, lock him in his rooms, yell at him, etc . . . but never to disown him. And that was why he felt he had gone too far this time, though he did not regret his decision. Even if he knew this was the outcome, he would not have changed a single word he said or a single action he did. "I wish I could believe that," he said in a low voice. While there was a faint smile on his lips, it was anything but jovial. "You should have seen him. The anger and disappointment in his eyes." He had always believed he was a disappointment to his father . . . but never to this extent.

Growing up with Morgana, and with Uther as her adoptive father, he knew she would understand. She always encouraged him to do the right thing, and he did indeed value her advice and often heeded to it. But this time, it was different. "Is it true, that he intends to make Catrina heir to the throne?" He asked, having heard it from one of the knights. An announcement that must have been made after he left the throne room. If that were so, then it would be even more difficult for his father to reverse his actions. For it would be Catrina who was next in line to claim the throne. Not his son; not the legitimate heir. But the woman that he so hurriedly fell in love with. He didn't understand it! He wanted his father to be happy and find companionship . . . but was he truly happy? Is this how he really wanted to live his life?! Again, Arthur no longer had credibility to question such things. He feared his next words against the king would result in harsher punishment, perhaps even death.

[mpend]

Green eyes viewed the Prince with concern as he thanked her for the food, though he did not touch it. Morgana sighed softly, listening to the Pendragon's quiet words, feeling sorrow pool in her heart. Secretly, she wondered why Uther had allowed such a thing to pass, when she knew just how beloved Arthur was to him. The Prince was the image of his mother, from all accounts, and she knew that Uther treasured that in him, let alone everything else. What had the Lady Catrina over the King to make him act thus? Why would he turn against his own kin, his own son? It didn't make sense, politically or otherwise, but either way, Morgana was intent on standing by Arthur's side. Depsite the fact that he was sometimes an arrogant prat, he did not deserve this. He did well by Uther, he was kind and (mostly) respectful, and his heart was in the right place.

She squeezed the hand atop her own, meeting his eyes, listening to his words before speaking. "We both know of your father's quick temper," she stated quietly. "Perhaps this is just something that will pass, and he will be kind again." The Ward sighed. "To disinherit you for such a thing - the people will not stand for it, Arthur. They see in you hope for this country and its damned ways, they will not see you be cast aside," admittedly she spoke with more assurity than she felt, but she was fairly certain that once news got out that Arthur had refused to make the order for taxes, the people would be on his side, if they were not before. "I can try to speak to him again, if you wish?" she asked softly.

At the Prince's knowledge of the King's latest plan, Morgana sighed quietly. "It is true," she admitted quietly. "But none of the court nor Gaius agree with the King. And besides, she will have to swear an oath before anything is permanent. I doubt that woman will ever be able to govern this coutry." she paused, sighing. "I cannot understand your father's actions, and I do not think I shall ever."

[Arthur Pendragon]

She was right. Of course she was right. All that she said he believed . . . but that was part of the problem. That he knew his father's quick temper, just as he knew his stubborn mind. He prayed that it was something that would pass, but could not rely on such a hope when he was so soon crowning Catrina to be the heir to the throne. A woman that he only been reunited a few days ago; choosing her, over his own son?! It made no sense to him, and it seemed that it made no sense to anyone else either. "You're right," he began to say. This was not one of the times where his pride and ego prevented him from admitting she was right . . . especially since he didn't disagree with her. "It is only a matter of time before the people rebel. They will not pay the taxes the king has demanded." For it was far more than anyone could afford. And Uther was not going to lower the taxes either.

"I fear that they are going to uprise. That there will be chaos in the kingdom." For the people held a great deal of power, and if they all banded together . . . well, they were not so formidable. And he felt his father underestimated them at times. Especially now. Expecting them to remain loyal to him while placing unrealistic demands on them. "I can try to speak to him again, if you wish?" Worry surfaced on his face and behind his eyes as he looked at her upon making this offer. "No," he instantly discouraged. "I will not watch him cast you aside too. Morgana, I need you to promise me that you will not defy him. That you will tread carefully." He knew that Morgana and his father often butt heads, for she was not the kind of woman to sit idly by and just let things happen. She stood up for what she felt was right . . . but in this case, with his father being so irrational, Arthur feared the consequences more than ever.

"Promise me," he repeated, needing to hear the words so that he could find comfort in knowing that she would remain safe. Or well, as safe as she could under his rule when he was acting like this. Though confirmation that Catrina was being crowned tomorrow gave him anything but comfort. "So soon," he said, just thinking out loud. "All I can ask is that the council, Gaius, and you remain as compliant as you can until we can find a way to . . . fix this." He didn't even know what there was to fix! He couldn't fix his father! "I will not have anyone put in danger while defending me." Which was why he had asked Morgana to promise him that she would not try. "What has he said to you?" Arthur asked, wondering if he had mentioned anything to Morgana while she talked about this with him. It was his desperate attempt to grasp on to some sort of hope. Hope that his father came around and could love him as a son once more.

[mpend]

Morgana nodded, her hand resting on his. "They will not stand for it," she agreed. "And once they hear of what he has done to you, they will rebel against that too. For you are the Hope of Camelot, Arthur. They believe that you will bring Camelot to greatness, and for your father to cast you aside will only anger the people." The ward sighed softly. "There may very well be a chance for them to do so," she admitted. "They will not stand for so much change in such a short time," she paused. "Admittedly, I would be with them if they do."

She frowned at the request, shaking her head. "No, I cannot promise that," she argued softly. "After what he has done to you, I cannot just sit aside and meekly agree to his whims." the ward sighed, biting her lip. "I'm sorry, I cannot promise," Morgana said quietly, her free hand now upon Arthur's shoulder. "you are a brother to me. I will not stand by."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Her words filled with him such deep honor, that he would never be able to properly express it. For her to say that he was the hope of Camelot, that he would bring it to greatness, and that the people would side with him . . . he felt the strongest honor and privilege in hearing such things. But it was also a reminder of how he had failed them. Of how he was no longer in a position of authority to help them. "I failed the people Morgana," he said speaking aloud these thoughts. He would never admit such things to anyone else for it was a sign of great weakness. The only two people, perhaps three, that he would make such an admittance to was Morgana, Guinevère and then of course Merlin. "They are going to suffer. I fear that raising taxes are only the start. Who knows what else my father will do." His father, and Lady Catrina. He knew all that they said now was treason, and hated putting

Morgana in this sort of position . . . but to know that he had her support, meant the world to him. "I do not want civil war to break out," he added, a great fear of his. That he would be forced to fight against his father as a representative of the people. "Yet I feel that is the path that this is all leading to." Because he was thinking ahead, he had to. He looked at her, honored for her support yet fearing it placed her in more danger. Especially with her saying that she could not make such a promise to him. He was not overly surprised to hear that, for she was known and admired for speaking up for what she believed in. A trait that she and Guinevère held in common. But, it also made him afraid for her. "I cannot bare the thought of my father doing the same to you. Or worse." For he could cast her out, banish her from the castle, from the kingdom even! Who knew what he was capable of. And still, there were worse fates . . . more permanent ones.

He would have said that he loved Morgana as a daughter and that he would never do anything to hurt her . . . but he had also thought he loved Arthur as a son. Clearly, he had been massively mistaken. "You are a brother to me. I will not stand by." His lips formed another small smile at these words. "I know it is a great deal to ask," he said, not about to minimize his request. He put his hands on either side of her upper arm, looking intently at her. "But please, do this for me." If not for herself, then for him. "I cannot protect you Morgana." He knew that she could take care of herself, but . . . he also wanted to be a brother to her, and protect her as one should. "I know it will be hard, but please. I am asking you to at least appear compliant. I fear what could happen to you otherwise." Whether it would be Catrina giving suggestions as to how to 'deal with Morgana' or his father. Arthur knew that Catrina had something to do with it . . . but as he had previously recognized, his father was not a weak or naive man.

[mpend]

She shook her head at his words as he spoke of failure, hating Uther with a passion for doing this to his son, after all that Arthur had done for him and on his behalf. "No, you have not," she argued quietly. "It is Uther who has failed them. The people are no fools, they will know how you have been treated and they will not stand to see their Prince so disgraced." The ward sighed softly as he admitted to not wanting civil war to break out. "I fear if your father continues on this path, then it might be the only thing to stop him," she confessed. "And I cannot promise to be idle when it does."

As Arthur put his hands on either side of her upper arm and gazed at her, Morgana met his eyes, listening intently to his plea. She sighed softly. "I will appear complient," she relented. "... on the condition that Uther does not hurt or otherwise anyone that I care about." she paused. "And that includes you, Arthur. If he does these things then I cannot stand by, and I shall not. And do not fear for me - if his reign is to be thus, then I would rather be dead at the stake than a pawn beneath his fingers," she spoke with assurity, though some part of her mind shied away from the thought of death.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur wished he could fully believe her words. While he appreciated her saying them, and that brought some comfort on her own -- as well as honor for her faith in him -- he knew that it was not true. That he was meant to defend the people and in doing so, it had cost him his rank. It was not so much the luxuries that was upset about, but losing Uther as a father. The way he had just cut him off. And now he had no power or credibility to do anything to help the people. What could he do? He no longer had any rights. "That's what I'm afraid of," he said, exhaling with the heavy weight of all that had happened. "Don't get me wrong, I truly value and appreciate the people's loyalty." For he never doubted their loyalty. "But I do not want to see them grow violent at what happened." Even if it was an outcome that most everyone could see occurring.

"The kingdom will be in chaos and it will cost many people their lives." It would truly be a civil war . . . and Morgana was in agreement of this. His fear for it only grew when she said that she would not be idle. Knowing, that she would take the people's side. "I don't doubt that you would be out there, front and center, ready to defend the people's rights," he said with a hint of admiration in his tone. "But, I can not see you put in such danger either. Surely, there has to be a way to stop this." Before it was too late. If he couldn't do something, then surely, someone else could talk sense into him? "I will appear compliant." Arthur felt an abundance of relief in him, until she kept talking and gave her condition. Because he doubted that this would be the end of Uther's actions. He had a strong feeling that he would continue to do whatever he could to . . . well, discourage any opposition.

More intensely than he has done in the past. "I will not let that happen," he assured her, almost immediately after she suggested how she would rather be dead than follow this new harsh reign of his. "I still pray that we can put a stop to this, before it gets any more out of hand. Whatever he has done with me-- " Disowning him. "Do not provoke him to do anything to you. Please Morgana. I will never forgive myself if something happens to you." At the hands of his father no less. Perhaps he was overreacting. Arthur knew that the fault was his for upsetting him to such an extent, even if he didn't regret his decision. He stood by his choice to speak up against the king and would do so again, even if he knew that this was the outcome.

[mpend]

The brunette pressed a hand to Arthur's shoulder. "You may not have a choice," she said honestly. "They are loyal to you above your father, Arthur, and they will not stand for this... woman... taking over your rightful spot. They will not allow her to become regant," she spoke with assurity, having already heard whispers about the castle to such extents. Morgana sighed at Arthur's next words, accepting them with gravity. She chuckled lightly at his expectations of her, shrugging a little. "If it is a justly cause, I will be," she assured. "I will not stand down whilst he destroys Camelot and you in this insanity." With a sigh the brunette sat down again, shaking her head. "The only way I can see to stop such a thing occuring is for Uther to reinstate you as Prince," she confessed. "Only then will the people not rebel, I fear."

Morgana gave a soft smile as Arthur tried to assure her he would not allow her to be killed under this new order, "we may not have a choice," she stated quietly. "Your father seems blind to all but the lady Catrina, and if she turns her head against me, then I will be next, I am sure, to face her wrath. I am sure it is she who has turned Uther against you so. I cannot understand why he is being so complient," she confessed. She paused as Arthur spoke, requesting she do nothing to endanger herself, smiling a little.

"You have been wronged, Arthur, and I know that if the situation were reveresed, you would do all you could to take revenge for me," she stated quietly, knowing her words were true. "You cannot honestly expect me to do anything less. You are a brother to me, even if we are not blood-related. You are the closest person I have, and the only one I now trust. I will not let you be discarded so."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur felt strongly honored to hear that the people were loyal to him above his father. Though he wasn't sure he could entirely believe it. The honor and flattery to hear such a thing was strong . . . but there was also disbelief. That the people would believe in him so much. When he had failed them; when he knew he was do undeserving of their faith and loyalty. "They may not have a choice either. They are still going to be taxed and threatened if they do not comply. And it will take much time before they can rally together enough to rebel. I fear, for how many people will suffer before then." Arthur had seen the way the old man was treated on the streets; getting arrested for his inability to pay a ridiculous amount of taxes. Arthur could not stand for it. He could not support something like that. And yet, the people would not have a choice. "Perhaps my father is right. I should be more, assertive. For now I can do nothing to help the citizens of Camelot." He lost position, rank, title . . . he should have handled the situation more delicately. He knew how his father got when his son publicly defied him.

And much like Arthur, Morgana would not do the same. She had never been one to stand by and let injustice plague the kingdom. She had Arthur had that in common. "I do not think he will be reinstating me any time soon," Arthur confessed. Not after seeing the anger and disappointment in his face . . . and not with him so quickly deciding to make Catrina heir. "But Morgana, I not only ask for my sake that you remain compliant. I ask for the people's sake. They need someone to defend them." Subtly defend them. "I need someone that I trust to keep me updated on adjustments to the laws and any council decisions." She was not part of council, buts he had easy access to this information. And he trusted her greatly. "I realize this puts you in a compromising position, but I rather you remain in good graces with the king and queen, than join me in disinheritance." He knew it was unfair of him to ask her this, but hoped she would consider his words.

After all, it would not look suspicious if he wished to spend time with her . . . where as it might if he sought out a council member to speak with. When she spoke of how blind the king was to Lady Catrina . . . Arthur agreed. He didn't understand it, for his father was a strong man, and yet he seemed so easily swayed by her. "Nor can I," Arthur admitted in a low voice when Morgana vocalized her inability to understand the king's compliance. "Perhaps he is blinded by love." Arthur didn't know. And was having trouble justifying his decisions. "I cannot so easily believe that he had been considering raising taxes for so long though." Not like Catrina had said; that Uther had confided in her and told her that he had wanted to do this for some time. Arthur didn't believe it. The laws had been fair and the people were content. Now, their sovereign was doing nothing but jeopardizing their stability. "You have been wronged, Arthur, and I know that if the situation were reversed, you would do all you could to take revenge for me." These were words he could not argue with.

For they were true. So very true. Had the situation been reversed, then he would have defended her in whatever way possible. He knew that telling her not to now only made him a hypocrite, but he hoped that with providing reason not to . . . it would give her further reason to stay on good terms with his father and his step mother. He gave a small smile upon hearing her strongly sentimental words. "I truly appreciate your loyalty and willingness to defend me. But I trust you above all others who are close to my father. And I need you to remain in this position. For so many reasons, including your safety but not only because of that." Because of reasons he had recently explained. He trusted her more than most others . . . while he trusted his father, right now he could not say that his trust for the king was absolute. Not after what he had done. Not after how he had treated the people. "You need to tread carefully," he added, more as a reminder than anything else.

[mpend]

His words held truth she could not deny, yet Morgana was determined not to sit back and just allow this to happen. Arthur was the only chance that Camelot had of ever being fair and just - toward all its people. "Then they may have to leave Camelot," she stated sadly in return for his words "For none of them can afford these taxes or anything else Uther might impose." She shook her head as the Prince continued, his words showing how much he doubted himself. "No. Be no one but yourself, Arthur. The people hope and pray for your reign, and for you to change to please him will mean that Camelot is doomed."

She sighed quietly as he continued to ask her not to defy Uther - using the people as well as himself to try to convince her. "It is for both the people and you that I cannot stand by," but she quietened a little when he revealed his thoughts - that he he wanted her to gain information, and be privy to such laws that might change. The brunette nodded. "That I can do," she promised softly. "Very well. I will do as you ask, but only for the reason you ask me to. Despite the fact that I care little for Uther and ... her... right now." - she would never call that woman Queen!

The brunette nodded, placing a hand on Arthur's arm. "I will stay here for now, and do as you ask. But only because I want to see you reinstated and for Catrina to be banished. Or at least dismissed. Remember that throughout my being here, that will be my goal."