A/N - Here is the final installment of this fic. Thank you so much for the reviews and support throughout even after my long hiatus. I am flattered that you've all enjoyed it so much. Please leave one last review to let me know your opinions. All suggestions for future fics are really appreciated!

Enjoy the chapter and the Mergana confrontation XD

-Rachel x

Epilogue

Merlin fiddled with the jacket and gave a cry of frustration when the button refused to fasten. A knock on the door gave him a welcome relief from the arduous task of getting dressed. You'd think he'd be used to the fancy garments by now, what with being Arthur's servant for years, but this stupid getup was proving much more difficult.

"My lady," he said when he opened the door.

"Merlin," Morgana responded with a smile, taking his lack of response as an invitation in.

"Shouldn't you be preparing for the ceremony?" he asked.

"I've had a lifetime of feasts and festivals, Merlin; I mastered the art of dressing quickly a long time ago. I thought you might need some help," she replied, looking knowingly at his attempt.

As she fastened the jacket efficiently, he felt himself blush at how easily she'd completed the simple task.

"Who makes these damned things?"

"I used to think that all the time. You will get used to it, you know."

"I don't think I ever will."

"Trust me; you should have seen how I dressed as a child; breeches, tunics, the lot." Morgana said with a chuckle as she remembered the happier times of her life. Well, with the exception of her father dying.

"You're a good friend, Morgana," he said, breaking the silence.

"No, I'm not, Merlin…" she responded, sadly.

"You are! You've always been there for me. You helped save the druid boy, my village…"

"But you still didn't trust me…"

The way she said it wasn't angry, just hurt. When she put it like that, all the fears he'd had then seemed childish. He'd listened to the dragon and he'd lost her to the darkness. But now she was returned and he had to give her the answers she craved.

"I trusted you, Morgana, just not enough… It was my fault, never yours."

"I was so scared, Merlin. Scared of what I was becoming, scared of Uther, scared for people like me… I only wanted answers. Do you think I would have told him?"

"I'm sorry… I just couldn't risk it. I had a destiny… So I sent you to the druids, instead."

"So Arthur was m0re important than me."

"Morgana…" He was shocked at her statement, mostly because of the horrible truth her words held.

"It's alright, Merlin, I understand. Everyone has a destiny. Morgause told me mine was to bring about Arthur's downfall. Was she lying about that, too?"

"Destiny isn't set in stone."

"No… No-one decides our destiny except ourselves with our actions."

"I am sorry, Morgana, for everything you went through. All because of me."

"You were doing what you had to, Merlin, just as I thought I was. No-one can be faulted for doing what their heart tells them to do."

"But I poisoned you."

"And I tried to kill you and Arthur and Gwen. I immortalised an army and I brought the kingdom to its knees. We must put the past behind us if we ever hope to move on."

"A fresh start."

"Yes. A fresh start is exactly what we need."

"Thanks for helping with this," said Merlin, indicating his outfit.

"No problem. But now I really must go and get dressed."

"See you at the celebrations."

Morgana nodded and left Gaius's chambers, closing the door lightly behind her, feeling much better than she had when she'd walked in.

The fanfares blew and the double doors were opened to reveal Gwen, dressed in a rich purple gown adorned with silver decorations. Her arm was linked with her brother's who smiled at her with affection and pride. She concentrated on walking down the aisle and warding the nerves off.

At the front of the throne room, Elyan took his place beside the Knights of the Round Table as she knelt down, the handmaidens arranging her skirts neatly before stepping back.

"By the power vested in me, I crown you, Guinevere, Queen of Camelot," said Arthur.

Geoffrey handed him the late Queen Igraine's crown and he gently lowered it onto her chocolate curls before offering both hands to help her to her feet.

"Long live the queen!" chorused the crowds "Long live the queen!"

When they broke apart from their kiss, Arthur led Gwen to her throne with a beam on his face. She smiled up at him as she settled into it, facing the mass of nobles while her husband remained standing.

"People of Camelot," he addressed them "My father was a good king and brought peace and prosperity to this land at all costs. But the time for change is upon us. Henceforth, Camelot is a free kingdom and magic is a free practice."

The king was met by a lot of disgusted and confused looks by most of the citizens.

"Magic is not a crime and shall not be degraded as such any longer. Together we will forge an alliance that shall never be broken," continued Arthur "Let it be known, however, that any attempt of harm by magic shall be punished just the same. You will welcome them, befriend them and learn the truth over time. Magic is not to be feared."

"You would go against everything your father stood for," protested Lord Hordar.

"The oppression against magic has led to nothing but bloodshed. Magic was used freely before my father's time and the people prospered greatly. It is time for us to do the same."

"This is ridiculous!"

"Silence! This will require co-operation by each and every one of you and we will not tolerate any disregard to any new citizens. To help us prosper, I have appointed two of my most trusted associates – Merlin and the Lady Morgana."

Stunned gasps ricocheted in the room as the two went to stand on the platform; Morgana dressed in a pearlescent gown to symbolise peace and Merlin donning red and black for the symbol of the Old Religion. Reluctant claps filled the room, getting more and more meaningful.

Most were happy about the change but there were already some plotting to overthrow the newly crowned monarchs. But all that was for another day.

"I declare a day of rest for all. Tomorrow, the hard work begins," said Arthur, loudly before smiling at his queen and his friends.