When You Love Someone

[Arthur Pendragon]

The past few days had been chaotic, stressful and . . . filled with fear and uncertainty. After the entire plot -- failed plot -- by Cenred and apparently Morgause . . . Arthur was not sure what to think or feel. He still had so many questions about everything. How had they known about his feelings for Guinevère? How had they known about the tunnels? The biggest shock of all however, was the alliance between Cenred and Morgause. The woman was not one that Arthur ever forgot. After what she did, the cruel way she created a false illusion of his mother . . . Arthur considered her a mortal enemy. Though at the same time, knew of her power and knew she would not be a formidable foe. But to see her there, standing alongside the man who's kingdom they were at war with, caused Arthur great concern. They were not only fighting a ruthless king now; they were fighting powerful sorcery. Magic was something they fought against almost every day, but it was different this time. It explained a bit, as to during one of the attacks the skeletons had invaded from within. Arthur knew Cenred held no magic, and now he realized how the man managed to have such power on his side.

But that was not something he could do anything about for the moment. Right now, all that mattered was that Guinevère, Morgana, Elyan, even Merlin were safe. That they had all returned from The Castle of Fyrien in tact. Well, with the exception of the trauma and Morgana's injury to her foot. They were alive, and that was what mattered. According to Guinevère, even Elyan seemed to be settling in rather well. He was continuing his father's work, which was always a good thing. And most importantly, Guinevère now had family around her. He was glad for that. That she would not have to be alone in her house; that her long lost brother was re-found and brought home to Camelot. Arthur knew that he was the reason that Elyan -- and all of them actually -- had been in danger. He never would have forgiven himself if something happened to any of them. He felt bad enough for the emotional turmoil they all had to undergo. And Morgana's injury which he hoped was healing well. Speaking of which, he recalled why he had made sure all his work was done and he would not be needed for some time.

So that he could check on the women who was a sister in his heart if not blood. He made his way over to Morgana's chambers. He knew that Morgana probably knew now about him and Guinevère. About the two of them. She had not really asked specific questions nor expressed surprise when Arthur said he was going to help Elyan. Plus, she had seen them nearly kiss . . . and he knew Morgana was no fool. Perhaps it was obvious to her now. For she knew both him and Guinevère extremely well, as individuals at least. And now, she may know them as something more. It was still not a topic that Arthur had discussed with her, for she had not been too inquiring into it. But he knew that if there was one person he trusted with such a strong secret, it was Morgana. His sister of heart. Merlin was the first to have found out, and if Morgana knew then he knew she would guard the secret with her life . . . that she would never tell his father. For it was something that would put them all at such great risk. With these confident thoughts, he arrived at her chamber door, knocking on it a couple of times, before he went ahead to open it and stepped inside, already closing the door behind him.

_{Setting: Morgana's chambers
Time of Day: Afternoon
Timeline: A day after The Castle of Fyrien when they have all returned to the kingdom of Camelot
Tag: Morgana
Notes: Layout soon to come!}

[mpend]

Her mind was in confusion. The last 48 hours made no sense to Morgana's confused mind, and as she tried to sift through the memories she did have, she grew more and more frightened - more and more confused. Sadly, this was something she was beginning to become used to. Her time spent with Morgause was doing nothing for her mind, but she was willing to lose the hours of memories in return for the comfort and safety she felt in regards to her magic. With Morgause she did not have to hide -- With Arthur, she always did.

Arthur... the thought of the Pendragon made her frown. He had excelled in this last quest, annoyingly so, and Merlin had not helped by being constantly aware and constantly watching. Though a single thread of her was grateful that the man she had once thought of as a brother had not come to harm, it was more frustrating than anything else. Perhaps the Prince would really and truly become a great King. But no - she could not think that way. If she did, then she would loose faith and focus in her own destiny. Camelot would always be stifled by Uther's dealings and therefore fear of magic, and she did not harbour any hopes that Arthur would think differently.

Of course, there was the problem of Gwen. Always, there was the problem of Gwen. Why Arthur should choose the nobody instead of someone of high birth confused and frustrated Morgana, as much as it irritated her. She was hardly jealous - she had never wished to marry Arthur - but she would be damned if she saw Gwen become Queen! The little brat would just have to- her thoughts cut off as a knock on her door sounded, and Morgana pushed her hair over her shoulder, frowning. She had not, far as she had known, expected anyone. But footsteps sounded, and sure enough the form of one Arthur Pendragon slunk into sight. Morgana rolled her eyes, then turned to face him, giving him a slight smile. "Arthur," she greeted.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur saw her and he returned a broad smile to her small one. "Morgana," he greeted, further stepping in the room as he closed the door behind him. He had feared so terribly for her. For all of those who were captured. But her and Guinevère especially. Particularly when it had been discovered that Morgana had not been in the same cell as Guinevère. Cenred was a cruel man, known for his torture techniques, and he inwardly cringed at the thought of what he might have done to her. Next to his cruelty there was also vulgarity about him, for he had seen the way he leered at Morgana when they were all lined up before the king of Escetia. "I came to see how you were feeling," he explained. Both physically and emotionally. Morgana had been through so much these past few months. After having been kidnapped for a year, falling under that torture, and her near death experience for the injury on her head. It made Arthur realize how he was failing miserably in protecting her.

He wanted nothing more than for her to be safe, and would give anything and everything to ensure that. Yet, harm constantly came to her and it was a sure sign that he needed to do better. That he needed to do more for her. Her and Guinevère both. For each woman fell into danger, mostly because of him. The two women that he held closer than any others. He would not be able to bare the loss of either of them. And would do all within his power to make sure he didn't have to. That no one had to. "Hows your foot?" He asked. She had hurt it firstly when she'd fallen off the horse and then when they were leaving and she was unable to walk . . . which led to him throwing her over his shoulder and carrying her out. Something that he would eventually tease her about but the events were still too recent and fresh in their minds to find such humor in it. After all, there was nothing funny about Morgana being inflicted with an injury. For he did not wish to see her in any pain.

[mpend]

The Prince's concern toward her made the brunette's heart twinge a little, and she gave him a smile which was not exactly true. "I am better than I was," she assured, and that at least was true. Here, in the Castle, though she still felt stifled by the rules that surrounded her, Morgana at least felt safe away from the magic of Morgause. The woman confused and frightened her - that much she could admit - and sometimes... with a sigh Morgana pushed the thought aside.

As the smile turned into a slight frown, Morgana wondered whether she was any better off than she had been before she had met Morgause. The woman had promised to teach her about her magic, to help her to understand that it was not something to be feared, and yes - Morgana did feel a little more secure in herself... but with that came the penalty of losing the trust of those she once had sought to keep close. Merlin now hated her, and she was sure that if he were to find out the truth, Arthur would too.

As he asked her about her foot, the smile returned, and the brunette nodded. "Nothing that a hot bath didn't cure," she assured, though that was not quite the truth. She paused, and then viewed the younger Pendragon cautiously. "How is Elyan? And Gwen?" Despite everything, she still cared about Gwen, and although she did not know Elyan, she had to admit to having not been completely happy once she'd found out Cenred's plan to capture the boy - for he'd done nothing wrong.

[let me know if you want me to change anything...!]

[Arthur Pendragon]

"I am better than I was." He was quite glad to hear that. Though he knew she was strong and that she would overcome whatever injury was inflicted upon her. It had been the reason he had agreed to let her come along after all. Because out of the four of them, she was the only other one who was skilled with a sword. Though each had managed to hold their own. Considering how things had happened though, he wished he had done more to convince Guinevère and Morgana to stay behind. He would not make the same mistake twice; letting two women he loved embark on such a dangerous quest. "Have you gotten Gaius to take a look at it?" He asked, wondering if she was given any medicine for it, or if she was just planning on toughing through the pain and waiting for it to heal on its own.

"How is Elyan? And Gwen?" Arthur smiled at the question, still finding himself relieved at the outcome of things, even though they had seemed rather uncertain at a point. "They're both well," he began to explain. "I believe Guinevère is helping Elyan get settled in. Then I am sure she will come to check on you." As Guinevère and Morgana were practically best friend. Arthur had never understood how someone could be best friends with their servant. Then, he had met Merlin who'd become a brother to him. Furthermore, he'd fallen in love with Guinevère which added further explanation as to why she was so close to her. Because, well, it was Guinevère. He remained silent for a moment, thinking about recent events. "I really shouldn't have let either of you come," he lamented. "Next time, even your insistence will not convince me to allow you to come along on such a dangerous journey," he said, only half teasing . . . for he did mean his words.

[mpend]

The ward shook her head as Arthur asked whether she had gone to the physician about her foot, raising an eyebrow. "No, I'll be fine. It was only a mild injury, I'll be alright in a day or so," she said with more assurance than she felt. Either way, she was not intending to go to Gaius, who in turn would go to the King, who then would ban her from gonig with Arthur again, ever.

At the assurance that both her handmaiden and Elyan were well, the brunette smiled. "Good, I am glad," she said softly. "they have been through much." she smiled a little, rolling her eyes. "I'll be fine, she should spend time with her brother. I'm sure there is much they should catch up on," She rolled her eyes at his next words. "Really, Arthur, do you truly think I am going to let you go without me?" she asked, with a hint of teasing in her voice. "We both know I am better with a sword, and you would need me there to stop you doing anything silly," she teased again.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur was not surprised to hear her shrug off the need for medical assistance. For Arthur often did the same thing. "Can you walk on it?" He asked, recalling that she had been unable to put too much pressure on it which prompted him to have to carry her out of the castle and all the way to the horses. "If my father sees you limping, he's going to demand to know what happened. And then grow angry with me for not doing more to help you," he said with teasing . . . though with an element of truth to. For it was not secret how protective Uther was over his ward. He did not like to see her in any pain, even if it was something as small as a cut. "You all were put through quite an ordeal," he acknowledged. Even if Guinevère had been kidnapped twice . . . they still had all been held prisoner one way or another. "You know Guinevère," he said with a bit of a smile. "I doubt she is going to let the day pass without coming to see you and resume her duties."

Arthur could safely say that, not as someone who didn't know her and just assumed such . . . but as a man who had gotten to know her and fall in love with her. Thus, being aware of all her traits, including her compassion and caring attitude toward others. He then gave her a sarcastic smile when she said that she was better with a sword and he needed her there. Which, was true, that he had needed her in that sense. But in the end, it had proven to be futile. "Had I know how things would have ended up, then I would have done more to prevent you from coming." He couldn't stop thinking of the alternative, which only fueled his deep hatred for Cenred for targeting innocent people . . . people who had nothing to do with this. He was a man who fought dirty and was not afraid to stoop to such low levels. The coward! "I just still can't understand how they had known about the tunnels," he lamented out loud. "I could have sworn on my life that it was a secret well hidden." Yet, they had been waiting for them there.

[mpend]

She nodded a little at his question. "Better than I could earlier today," she promised. "Don't worry, I'm well enough on it to fool Uther." She rested a hand on Arthur's shoulder. "I'll not get you into trouble," she promised softly, knowing the hint of honesty in the Prince's words. The brunette chuckled softly at the mention of the handmaiden. "Yes, I'm sure she will," she acknowledged. "She is quite stubborn."


"You could not have stopped me, Arthur, so please don't berate yourself. I would have followed you if you had tried to leave me behind, or failing that, eventually caught up with you," she shrugged. "It was better I came with you, for how do you think things would have gone if it were simply you, Merlin and Gwen alone?" she pointed out.

At the mention of the tunnels, she hid a smile, feigning concern. "I don't know. But Cenred has attacked Camelot, or at least his people have in the past, haven't they? Perhaps they had knowledge we do not know about," she paused. "Or perhaps he knew someone who had attacked Camelot before." she sighed softly. "Sometimes these things are beyond our control, Arthur."

[Arthur Pendragon]

"Better than I could earlier today." He continued to feel immense relief at her assurance that she was feeling better. He supposed all it needed was some rest. Putting strain on it by running and fighting probably wasn't the best way to help it heal. No wonder it had hurt so much then. He gave a grateful smile as he put his hand on top of hers that was rested on his shoulder. "He would think that no gown is worth it if he saw you in pain," Arthur said a bit jokingly, since that was the excuse he had given for all of their absence. "And hell never let me make bets with you again," he added, keeping the mood as light as he could. When she commented on how stubborn Guinevère was, Arthur smiled. He agreed, though he never saw it as a bad thing. After all it had been her stubbornness that made her stand up for the women's right to fight in Ealdor. Which was the first time she had stepped out from the background for Arthur. And had eventually led to this . . . to love.

"And I would have made sure you couldn't have followed me," he countered, though he knew her words to be true enough. Either way she would have gone, for she was loyal to her friends in that way. And it was better she come with him than go off by herself. "I would have preferred it just be me and Merlin to be honest. Neither you and Guinevère should have come. But I knew that either of you wouldn't have had it any other way," he said with a knowing smile. In that way, they were similar: both were stubborn women. With Morgana, he teased her for it as a sibling, with Guinevère, he often admitted defeat . . . but he admired such a quality in both of them. For it made them strong women; ones he was so very proud to love. "But what is done is done. And everyone made it out alive." For things could have ended a lot worse. But Elyan was saved and they all were home again. Arthur mulled over her words as she explained that perhaps Cenred had knowledge that they did not know about.

That was really the only logical explanation, but didn't make Arthur feel any more reassured. "Cenred must have heard it from someone. He doesn't know that castle well. It was merely chosen for convenience." It truly bothered Arthur, how he had known about it . . . how he had known about other things too. "He seems to be gaining a great deal of knowledge that most others do not know about," he said thinking out loud. Meaning, his feelings for Guinevère being another massive secret that he had discovered. How. How did he know about that? There were very few who knew. It terrified Arthur though; to know that such valuable information was in the hands of his enemies. Especially since his relationship with Guinevère was a secret, and he was unable to outwardly protect her . . . which was how she had been kidnapped in the first place. He hated the thought of her being put in danger because of him . . . and doubted that this would be the first and only time. "It just means that we all need to be more careful." For all their sakes.

[mpend]

Morgana chuckled at the reference to the lie they had agreed to tell Uther. "True, very true," she teased. "Although why he could possibly think that he would have anything to say in our bets is beyond me!"

She sighed softly, shaking her head. "You are right. Both Gwen and I would not have seen you go alone, even with Merlin," she smiled a little. "Lets face it, Merlin is not the best with a sword or indeed any weapon." The ward paused a little, meeting the blonde's eyes. "I know how much you care for Gwen," she said quietly, quite unexpectedly. "I know you did not want to see her in danger. But I believe she is truly able to look after herself. She has surely prooven that today." Morgana nodded at Arthur's words, for they were true. "Yes. We have all made it home, thankfully," she acknowedged.

As the Pendragon spoke of Cenred once more, Morgana bit her lip, turning to face him, a mask of concern fluttering over her features. "Are you thinking that someone inside the castle is feeding him information?" she asked worridely. "Could that be how he has gained such knowledge? I confess that when he held me in that room, alone with him, he said things that... he should not have known." She hesitated. "He also mentioned... Gwen."

She nodded, agreeing emphatically with the assessment that they all needed to be more careful. "As if we are not always," she said quietly. "but yes, we do." With a pause, Morgana turned to meet Arthur's eyes. "You and Gwen especially."

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur gave a bit of a smirk when Morgana pointed out that Guinevère would not have let him go alone, and reminded him that Merlin wasn't the best with a weapon. "Oh I certainly don't deny that you have far more skill with a sword then he," he said, teasing his manservant, though the words were spoken with truth. Morgana had far more practice with a sword than Merlin. She used one with great skill and Arthur was not about to deny that. Despite his past teasings of her 'lack of skills' which he didn't really believe. "Maybe you should consider teaching him a thing or two," Arthur said jokingly. Obviously, he wasn't going to let her do such a thing. Still. It was an amusing thought to think on. Her next words however ceased the humor in his mind, causing him to grow a bit more serious.

"I know how much you care for Gwen." He had thought about whether she knew for sure or not, but this confirmed that. She had after all nearly seen them kiss, so he knew that there was a good chance she had picked up on something. His gaze fell to the ground for a moment. Being so used to keeping his feelings for Guinevère bottled up inside, it was difficult now to talk about them. But, he knew that if there was anyone who he could talk about such things with, it would be Morgana. "How long have you known?" He asked in a low voice. He didn't want her to think that he had been lying to her or anything. It was just, a very delicate matter and the less people who knew, the better. How did she feel about it? Guinevère was a good friend of hers -- her closest friend even. Perhaps it would be good for him to hear Morgana's opinion of them.

For while he knew he would never have his father's support . . . perhaps they would have Morgana's? The only other people who knew them so well was Merlin. And he was clearly supportive of the couple; despite the highly complicated situation it posed. Arthur looked at her once more when she said that Guinevère could look out for herself. "I know she can," he said in full agreement to Morgana's words. He never underestimated Guinevère's strength . . . for she had a great heart. "I just . . . it was my fault she was in this position to begin with." For they had used her, to get to him. "I fear it won't be the only time our enemies use her to their advantage." To try to lure him to another trap, or use her as leverage. Her words of them making it all home gave him strong comfort while he had these troubled thoughts. Even if he would always be in fear for her life.

"Are you thinking that someone inside the castle is feeding him information?" That was certainly an interesting suggestion . . . one that was not far from Arthur's mind. "Possibly," he answered truthfully. "Though it is too soon to claim that there is a traitor in the castle. I don't doubt Cenred has quite a few spies though," he said. It didn't explain how he knew about the tunnels . . . but it really was the only logical explanation. That perhaps someone else had found out about him and Guinevère and had informed Cenred. Or Morgause. He would never underestimate her, so perhaps she had spies as well. "Morgause even may have her own spies," he said, having strong animosity for that women because of how she had used such cruel trickery to create false illusions of his mother. Trying to manipulate him into killing his own father. How cruel and sadistic did one have to be to do that?!

Morgana then brought up something that Arthur had wanted to ask her yet wasn't sure how to bring up. She had done it for him, but his concern grew when she said that he had mentioned Guinevère. And made no attempt to conceal this concern. "What did he say about her?" Arthur almost immediately asked. And in hearing more details about her personal encounter with him . . . he hoped to find out exactly what the man had done to Morgana. Hopefully, he did not lay a finger on her. For he knew he was a vile man as the image of him leering at her when they were thrown on their knees before him resurfaced in his mind. "I need to know as much as you can tell me about what he said," Arthur added. He needed to know such things, so that he could protect Guinevère better. For Morgana's words were right: they all needed to be careful, especially him and Guinevère. Now that such valuable information was in the hands of their enemies . . . the risks increased unimaginably.

[mpend]

Morgana laughed softly at the acknowledgment of her better swordsmanship compared to Merlin, smirking a little. "I think most people's is better than his," she grinned. "I would teach him, but I'd be worried he'd be dead by the end of it... you know what a lightweight he is, Arthur," As the Prince, her brother in all but blood, asked how long she had known about him and Gwen, Morgana smiled a little, resting a hand on his shoulder. "For quite a while," she admitted. "If you know what to look for, it is very obvious. I am quite surpised no one else knows yet. You two are hardly careful." She paused. "you must be careful though. If the King were to find out about the two of you... I fear for Gwen." she said honestly.

The ward sighed. "You must stop blaming yourself. Neither Gwen nore I would have allowed you to go alone," she argued. "And how do you know you would have been any better off with Cenred and his men alone than with us anyway? They could have found otherways, I am sure, to try to get information from you." She nodded as he spoke of a traitor, biting her lip. "It is a disturbing thought, non the less. I would advise we both keep closer council from now on though."

Morgana shook her head when the Prince asked about Gwen, sighing quietly. "Nothing so much about the two of you, as her and Elyan. He seemed to know an awful lot about the boy, which concerns me. He may try and use Elyan in the future against us. We must be cautious, Arthur." she bit her lip. "He did mention that the two of you seemed closer than any other servant and Prince, but I lied and said that was simply because she and I were close, that you very rarely consorted with servants; you did so only to please me." her eyes met his, wondering how he would react to the words.

[Arthur Pendragon]

Arthur gave a small smirk when she spoke of how most people's skills were better than his. Merlin was a brother to Arthur and was good for many things: being a warrior was not one of them. While he was slowly learning how to hold his own, he was no where near skilled with a blade. Which was quite alright. Arthur did not rely on him for such things. He depended on his friend for a great deal -- apart from servant duties -- but swordsmanship was not one of them. "True," he agreed, unable to deny that. "At least he contributes other things to make up for his lack of skill with a sword. And don't worry; I would not ever ask you to endure the torturous task of attempting to train him," Arthur added, more teasingly toward Merlin. He would not often speak an ill word toward his servant . . . though Morgana knew how close they were. So it was easier to mock Merlin in the presence of someone who actually recognized it as just mockery.

When Morgana admitted that she'd known for quite a while, Arthur was both surprised by this . . . and yet not. He should have known. Morgana knew Arthur and Guinevère as individuals quite well. He should have expected she'd be able to recognize their love for one another. It was fine though. He trusted Morgana and knew that she would not do or say anything to place either of them in a compromising situation. Though Arthur knew that it was mostly Guinevère who in danger if they were exposed. Either by his father or by their enemies -- which had just been recently proven. "I know," he admitted in a low voice when Morgana reminded him to be careful. He knew that he didn't even need to ask Morgana not to tell anyone. His trust for her was absolute. "It is why he can never find out. I just . . . " It felt so strange to talk of his feelings for Guinevère. Not only because he wasn't used to talking about his feelings, but also because he was used to keeping all his feelings for Guinevère inside. Suppressing them until he had the chance to be alone with her.

"My feelings for her are so strong. It is why I could not marry Princess Elena." Arthur had never told her of his reasons for not marrying Elena. He had announced that he didn't love her as she didn't love him . . . but he had never given specifics as to what other reasons caused him to reject such a marriage. For there was nothing wrong with the Princess of Gawant. She was just not the woman Arthur wasn't to devote the rest of his life to. Guinevère was. He knew that she was right in saying that neither Guinevère and her would have let him go alone. He remembered trying to convince both of them to stay; but both ladies possessed a certain, stubbornness about them. "I am sure he would have found a way to attempt to extract information from me," he said in full agreement. "But the fact that he targeted and used two women to get to me, shows how much of a coward he is." Cenred hadn't even denied it. When Arthur had called him a coward when he held a blade to Morgana's throat, Cenred's reply had been it's the cowards that survive.

"We will have to be extra cautious to ensure that no more information is leaked." For there was too much at stake. He then listened carefully as she explained what Cenred had said to her. Arthur gave a small grateful smile when she said that she had lied. 'Thank you. For remaining so strong." Though he never doubted her loyalty and strength. "I fear he already knows how close Guinevère is to me. And that he will try to strike her again." Somehow. The thought alone terrified Arthur. He knew that the most obvious choice would have been to take Morgana. But being the king's ward, she was more difficult to gain access to, and he probably did not want Uther involved . . . for the king would have sent an army. Instead, they went with another woman that they knew the Prince loved. "Had he not known, he would not have taken her or blackmailed her by using Elyan as leverage. Now that he is here though, I feel she will be better protected." When he couldn't protect her.

[mpend]

Morgana smiled a little as Arthur spoke of his fear for Guinevère, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I knew at the time that you would not marry Elana," she said honestly. "Even though she was a lovely woman, I knew your heart belonged to another," She gave a small smile, but the smile faded a little. "But Uther will never allow you to marry Guinevère," she stated, knowing that he must know this.

"Cenred will always be a coward, Arthur. He would rather risk the lives of others than his own," Her words were true, and she did not doubt them for a single moment. "I was lucky - Cenred did not lay a hand physically on me, he was too cowardly," she gave a slight smile. "And I would never reveal your and Guinevère's love to him. Though if you are right, and he does know, we must be extra careful," but of course Arthur already knew this.

[Arthur Pendragon]

She knew then. She had known without him saying why he could not marry Elena. He had left it vague at the wedding ceremony when explaining why they should not get married to avoid exposing his relationship with Guinevère. But he was committed to her. Completely. "But Uther will never allow you to marry Guinevère." This was something that Arthur knew all too well. At times, he wished he could just approach his father and declare his love for Guinevère. But he knew that his father would punish her. His mind often went back to the last time -- before Vivian -- when he had claimed to love Sophia and wish to marry her. His father threatened to arrest and execute her and her father, and that was a woman of nobility. He dare not think what his father would do if he found out his son was in love with a servant.

"I know," Arthur admitted, though he was far from discouraged. "But nor will I marry another. I will wait, until I am king and then I will be able to marry her." He knew it was unfair for him to ever ask her to wait for him . . . which was why he had never directly asked her. She had told him as much, that she would wait until he was king. That she would count days until then. In a way, he would not hold her to it. If she no longer felt it was worth waiting for, then he would understand. But . . . he also knew that she was the most sincere woman he'd ever known. When she said she would wait, she would wait. She would not have said so had she felt doubtful that she could. He knew it sounded horrible for him be practically waiting for his father to die before marrying another woman . . . but he had no other choice. What he was relieved for was that Morgana didn't seem upset that he had kept this from her.

When she went on to say that Cenred would always be a coward and that he had not lay a physical hand on her -- until he drew his sword to her throat in threat -- Arthur found himself relieved. "I'm relieved to hear that," he said, vocalizing his thoughts. "He will not win this war against Camelot. He knows that. Which is why he keeps trying to find less direct methods." He was trying to get rid of Arthur so that the kingdom would be more vulnerable. The man had no honor in the way he fought. This was not war. It was a cowardly man trying to target innocent people. "The sooner this war is over, the better." Arthur hated violence; he wanted Camelot to be a peaceful kingdom, not one constantly engaged in war with other kingdoms.

[mpend]

Morgana nodded, sighing softly. "You must be careful, Arthur." she stated softly. "If Uther suspects, then who knows what he might do," she smiled slightly, squeezing the Prince's hand. "Don't worry though, I'll keep your secret. I have kept it safe thus far, and i will continue to do so, for Gwen and you belong together, I can see it in the way you are with each other." Away from Morgause's soft tongue, it made the words easier to say, less false. Though she had dreamed of Gwen becoming Queen, she was still uncertain as to why the idea brought such fear and hatred to her heart. Gwen was a simple yet lovely woman, and she would treat Arthur well. So why then had Morgana attempted so often to destroy her? The bruette sighed, shaking her head, dropping Arthur's hand and standing up, moving to the window. It was times like this when she begna to wonder if she were losing her mind; for one minute she would be the Morgana everyone knew, and then the next... she would be trying to get people executed. And always Morgause's voice would be whispering in her ear.

She turned back to the Pendragon as Arthur spoke of Cenred, nodding softly. "He is bitter and hates you and your father, though I cannot understand why," she confessed, biting her lip. "He seems to be in league with Morgause, though." This was the first time she had mentioned that she knew of the truce between them, and quickly she went to speak. "When I was brought before them, Morgause was there also. She encouraged him in his deeds, but Cenred refused." The words were not untrue, either. The brunette nodded as Arthur declared that the end of the war would be better for them all, biting her lip. "Do you think such a time will come?"