And here it is, the last chapter of Saved. Do enjoy!

Bed was where Arthur fondly wished he was at the moment. He had a headache from several hours of shouting and he was lonely. Guinevere had just gone to bed but she'd left her firmly-stated opinion behind her—she didn't want execution. Arthur happened to agree with her but they were definitely in the minority.

The arguing continued as the clock ticked toward midnight. More people were on his side now, wanting to give Morgana a real chance to repent rather than ending her life. He suddenly realized something: he was the King. His vote outweighed all the others. When he smacked his fist down on the table, the council members silenced themselves in shock. "Thank you," he told them.

"What I hear is most of us agree that giving Morgana a chance to repair her wrongs is preferable to her execution." There were a few "ayes" from the crowd. "Then I believe a vote is called for." Across the table, a councilman opened his mouth to argue. Arthur silenced him with a glare. "Good."

"All those in favor of giving Morgana another chance to repent of her crimes, say 'aye.'" There was a loud chorus of "ayes" from the crowd. "All those who favor her execution, say 'nay.'" The chorus of "nays" sounded quieter, but not by much.

Arthur clapped his hands. "The 'ayes' have it. Good. Now we'll discuss the form her punishment shall take."

That started another discussion, but this one less contentious. Arthur heard several good ideas in the debate and he gradually formed a plan he thought would appease everyone in the room. After he silenced everyone again, he spoke up to outline his plan.

"This is what I propose: that Morgana lives here in Camelot, in the citadel, under watchful eyes. She is to serve the people she wronged, helping them however they see fit—and is reasonable. She will work with them to make up for what she has done. Under close supervision, of course."

There were nods around the table. A few council members asked him questions, which he answered as the plan crystallized in his mind. The most opposed councilors were gradually coming around to his way of thinking. It only took a few more minutes before he'd satisfied the remaining opposition and everyone more or less agreed with his plan.

He couldn't wait to tell Guinevere, Merlin and Morgana the good news, but it would have to wait. He had some sleep to catch.

xxxXxxx

Merlin woke up to the sound of knocking on the door. "Just a few more minutes, Gaius," he mumbled. The knocking intensified for a few moments before the sound of a bolt sliding home startled him into awareness. His door didn't have a bolt . . .

He realized where he was an instant before the door opened and the King of Camelot stepped inside. He simultaneously stood while turning around and said, "This is not what it looks like!"

"And what does it look like, Merlin?" Gwen walked in behind him and raised an eyebrow.

Morgana sat up in bed. "Honestly, Arthur, he didn't do anything. I asked him to stay with me and he must have fallen asleep in that chair." She nodded to the one Merlin had sprung from.

"All right."

"So you'll believe her but not me?" Merlin whined.

Arthur just smirked at his friend. "Anyway, I'm here for a different reason." He looked at Morgana, who'd gotten out of bed. "We decided on a verdict late last night."

Morgana drooped; Merlin darted forward to steady her, then settled her into the chair.

Gwen came forward and asked, "Are you all right?"

"Just a little surprised."

Merlin put a hand on her shoulder. Gwen noticed and shot him a quizzical look, which he ignored. She moved to Arthur and took his hand. Arthur looked at her and smiled. "I think you'll like what I have to say."

"Tell me then."

"You won't be executed."

Morgana turned to Merlin and grinned brightly.

"I knew it!" he exclaimed.

"Merlin."

"I just had a feeling. And there's the fact you haven't executed anyone since you became King."

"Thank you, Arthur, you have no idea what this means to me," Morgana said.

"I think I do. That's part of the reason you've been spared. I think you have a strong enough motivation to live, to really make amends for your mistakes."

"So what's my punishment then?"

Arthur explained in detail how she'd serve the people of Camelot, working to help those who had suffered. He told her she'd be under close supervision. When she asked who, Arthur smiled. "Merlin."

Merlin flushed. "Me?"

"Well, you did negotiate hard to get me to accept her again. And aren't you already watching out for her? It only makes sense that you supervise her. Someone else will set the tasks but you'll make sure she gets to where she needs to go and comes back here."

"I totally agree," Gwen added. "You're the perfect choice—you've already built a friendship. This task will just be an extension of that."

Morgana smiled up at Merlin. "I think it's a fabulous idea." She turned back to Arthur and Gwen. "Thank you so much for this chance! I will do my best to earn back everyone's trust. And even if I never win it all back, I will do what I can to help the ones I serve."

"I know you will. I'm glad you're back, Morgana," Arthur replied.

Morgana stood and walked over to Arthur. She threw her arms around him. He hesitated a moment before putting his around her, too. They stood like that for a long moment before Morgana broke away to hug Gwen.

"I'm so glad you're back," Gwen whispered.

"Me, too."

Arthur cleared his throat. "We have to leave now. We are meeting with the council again to discuss which people need your help. Don't get too excited—this punishment of yours is going to last a good long time."

Morgana grinned. "I know. Right now, I'm just happy to be alive."

Arthur nodded. "All right. Come along, Merlin."

"Me?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Yes, Merlin. You'll need to have an idea of what she'll be doing day-by-day if you're to supervise her."

"Oh. That makes sense."

"Sometimes I really wonder about you, Merlin." He turned toward the door. "Let's go."

Gwen flashed Merlin a sympathetic smile before she followed her husband. Morgana walked back to Merlin and took his hand. "Don't worry, Merlin—I'll be fine. See you later?"

"I hope so." Merlin turned and left the room, trailing behind the King and Queen.

xxxXxxx

Three days later, Morgana started on the work projects that Arthur and the council had decided on. Merlin walked her out every day and accompanied her home. They did take advantage of their time together, holding hands and stealing kisses when no one was looking.

Three months later, Morgana had completed several projects: mending roofs, clothing, tapestries and hearts; repairing market stalls, farm equipment and stonework; planting in home gardens and farms. Her hands were now more callused than they'd ever been but her heart was fuller. She truly enjoyed her time working with the people and getting to know them better. Some even forgave her, but that wasn't why she worked.

She felt truly grateful for the time she'd spent serving the people. She'd learned so much about the way they lived and what they needed. It was so different from her own life. She shed many tears with them, learning how to forgive herself for what she'd done. At the end of it all, she felt even better about herself than she had as a Lady of the Court or a powerful witch.

Morgana and Merlin naturally became closer. They were sitting in her chambers one day, not long after the council had run out of work for her. She still walked to the lower town daily to see what she could do to help. The topic of their relationship came up.

"Merlin, I'm getting tired of sneaking around. I'd like to make our relationship public," Morgana said.

A look of surprise crossed his face. "Are you serious?" he replied.

"Of course I am! Merlin, you've been there for me since you first came to Camelot and especially since I came to you in the clearing." She reached over and took his hand. "I can't imagine loving anyone more than I love you."

His mouth fell open. "That's the first time you've said that to me."

"Is it? How remiss of me." She leaned forward to press their lips together firmly.

Merlin responded immediately. He threaded his hands into her hair to pull her closer. She came with a contented sigh. Her arms slid around his waist as he deepened the kiss, opening her mouth with his. A warm tingle spread through them both, heightening their awareness of each other. Merlin groaned as they broke apart to breathe. "Now, where were we? Oh, yes. I love you, too."

They came together again, briefly, because Morgana really wanted to press her point. "Then prove it."

"How am I supposed to do that? Go to Arthur and ask if I can court you?"

"Exactly!"

"I—I . . ."

"You're not terribly articulate today, are you?"

"Not when you keep throwing surprises at me."

She took his hands again. "Merlin, I love you and you love me. It's that simple. Now, go to Arthur and ask his permission to court me so we can formalize our love." She reached up to lay a hand on the side of his face. "What are you afraid of?"

"His disapproval, for starters."

"Merlin, I wouldn't be surprised if he already knew. Gwen's been watching us with a suspicious eye."

"Oh, great."

"No, it is. Look, if they already know about us and haven't said anything; that means they approve. Let's go now and make sure." She stood and tugged at his hand.

Merlin stood. "All right. They should be in their chambers right now anyway." He let her lead him from the room.

They continued to hold hands as they walked through the corridors. Passing servants and nobles looked at them curiously but said nothing. Once they were in front of the royal chambers, Merlin knocked on the door and they waited.

At Arthur's call of "Enter," Merlin pushed open the door. He and Morgana stepped inside.

Arthur sat at his desk with Gwen behind him. Both looked up at their entrance and their eyes went immediately to the other couple's clasped hands. "So, what can I do for you . . . two?"

Merlin glanced at Morgana, who smiled and nodded. He stepped closer to Arthur. "I—I . . ."

"Are you and Morgana courting?" Arthur asked.

Merlin rolled his shoulders back and took a deep breath. "Yes, we are. And I'd like your permission to formally court her, if I may, sire."

"Ha! I knew it!" Gwen interrupted. "Now pay up, Arthur."

Arthur grumbled as he reached into his desk drawer to pull out a gold coin. He passed it to Gwen while Merlin and Morgana watched in shock. He turned back to Merlin to ask, "So tell me—did you ever stop loving her?"

"No. And I tried, but I couldn't."

Arthur looked beyond him, to Morgana. "And you love him?"

"With all my heart."

Arthur turned to look at Gwen, who smiled fondly at him. He turned back to Morgana and asked, "You wish to be tied to him?"

"Yes."

"All right then." He focused back on Merlin. "You have my permission to court her."

Bright smiles spread over Merlin's and Morgana's faces. She walked right up to him and threw her arms around him; he reciprocated and leaned down to give her a quick kiss. When it was over, she turned to Arthur and said, "Thank you."

Arthur smiled and nodded. Gwen watched with satisfaction as they kissed again. Arthur, getting tired of their public display, said, "All right you two. Take it somewhere else."

Merlin broke away from Morgana. "Gladly," he replied. And without any further ado, he took her hand and led her out of the room and toward her chambers.

xxxXxxx

Epilogue

Six months later, Merlin asked Morgana to marry him. She accepted. A few days before their wedding, she managed to convince him to reveal his magic to Arthur and Gwen. He hesitated, saying he wanted his head attached for the wedding.

"You don't really think Arthur would kill you?" she prodded.

"Well . . ."

"Come on, Merlin, you're his best friend, even if he won't admit it. He won't kill you."

"Maybe not. But I do want to survive until our wedding."

"Don't you want to go into it with all your secrets out in the open?"

"Morgana, please drop it. I just don't want to do it now."

Morgana frowned. "All right. But don't think I'll forget this."

"You wouldn't be you, if you did." He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. "Gotta go attend the prat." And he was off.

Morgana sighed. She knew for a fact that Arthur wouldn't kill Merlin for his magic. He'd already accepted her and had made great strides with the Druids. He might be upset that Merlin had lied to him for all this time, but he'd get over it eventually.

As she sat thinking for a few minutes, an idea came to her. It was too late to carry out today, but tomorrow night would be perfect. She'd invite Arthur and Gwen to dinner then . . . oh yes. He wouldn't be able to refuse. She smirked like she used to and got up to leave. She needed to talk to Gwen to arrange things.

oo0O0oo

The next night, Arthur and Gwen arrived at Morgana's chambers just before dinner did. Morgana and Merlin had decorated her chambers with fresh flowers and a lace tablecloth. Arthur gave everything a look and said, "Wow, you've gone all-out. It's almost as if you want something."

Morgana smiled. "Not at all. We just want to enjoy a lovely dinner with our friends before wedding craziness sets in."

They had planned a small wedding in contrast to Arthur and Gwen's. Very few people were invited, but they included Merlin's mother, who was on her way. The couple hadn't wanted a big production since many people still didn't like Morgana.

As they ate, they discussed typical wedding items—Morgana's dress, flowers, guests, and the like. When they had all finished the main course, Morgana decided now was the time. "Merlin, don't you have something you'd like to share with Arthur and Gwen?"

He looked at her in puzzlement. "What do you mean, love?"

"You know weddings are new beginnings. Is there anything you'd like to clear away before we begin our life together?"

Realization dawned on his face. "Oh no, Morgana. Not again."

Arthur interrupted. "Now I'm curious. What is it you have to share?"

"Yes, Merlin, tell us," Gwen added.

Merlin sighed. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I guess there's no time like the present after all. But you won't like it."

Arthur stared. "Now I'm getting worried. What could make you so reluctant?"

"Do you promise you won't hate me?"

"Hate you? Whatever for?"

"Please, just promise."

"All right. I promise I won't hate you, Merlin."

"Gwen?"

"I trust you, Merlin."

"I hope that's still true after this." He took a deep breath, held out a hand then whispered, "Forbӕrne." A small fire started in his palm. He glanced at Arthur and Gwen only to see them both staring at his hand, mouths open. "Well, say something."

Arthur's eyes darted up to meet his own. "I—I . . ."

"It's not often you're rendered speechless, Arthur," Morgana said.

He glanced over at her before looking back at the small fire. "Well, Merlin, it seems you really did have something to get off your chest."

"Wait. You aren't angry?"

"Angry? No. A bit upset you didn't tell me before this, yes. But I always knew there was something about you . . ."

Merlin turned his eyes to Gwen. "Gwen?"

"I—I'm just so amazed, Merlin! Isn't it burning you at all?"

"No, look." He held his hand closer for her to see then rotated his hand under the flame. He had no burns even though the small fire gave off heat.

"Wow."

"That about sums it up," Arthur added. "So all those times we miraculously won fights . . . that was you?"

"Yes. I've saved your life more times than I can count." He put out the fire. "So does this mean you're not going to execute me?"

"Merlin. I have already relaxed the law for the Druids and accepted Morgana back to Camelot. Do you really think I could execute you now?"

"No?"

Arthur sighed. "And I thought you knew me better than this. Merlin, if good people I care about have done only good with magic, how can I continue upholding such a law?"

"I've only ever used my magic for you and for Camelot."

"And I believe you. The law must go."

Merlin grinned. "Thank you so much, Arthur! But what does this mean for Morgana? Is she allowed to have her magic back?"

"You can unbind her magic?"

"Considering I'm the one who bound it in the first place, yeah."

"You did? I'll have to give that some thought. How long have you been using magic?"

"Since I was born."

"I didn't know that was possible," Gwen said.

"Looks like there's no one better for the job then," Arthur added.

"Job?" Morgana raised an eyebrow.

Arthur nodded. "Yes. It hasn't been filled in over twenty-five years. Court Sorcerer."

Merlin's mouth fell open. "You want me to be your court sorcerer?"

"It means you'll have to give up your manservant position, but you'll be an advisor and sit on the council."

Merlin grinned. "Now you'll actually have to listen when I tell you what to do."

"Might as well make it formal."

Merlin looked over at Morgana and took her hand. "What do you think, love?"

"I think . . . I think you should do it," Morgana replied

"I do too."

And three days later, at their wedding, the new Court Sorcerer repeated those words to his bride, making them one. All their friends and family cheered and threw flower petals over them in celebration.

After the ceremony, Morgana somehow wrested a few minutes' alone time to think. She thought about how her life had changed so drastically from just a year ago. From bitter, vengeful witch to wife, sister and friend. All because a little white dragon saw something in her to save.

Thank you everyone for reading! Virtual cookies to those who've favorited, followed. and/or reviewed- each notification made me smile and blow kisses at my screen. Regarding a sequel- I doubt it will happen, but one never knows. :)