Chapter 5, the last! I hope you've had as much fun reading this as I have writing it. :) Huge thanks to my reviewers (it's always a kick to get those little e-mails!): morningstar115, mersan123, I luv Milarion 1201, Tahbatha, 93 Diagon Alley, sjritts, Meri Ley, Miktap, and Eliza. More virtual cookies for you!

After a few more hours of riding- at a faster pace -the group made it back to Camelot unmolested. After making sure Gwen and Arthur were all right, Merlin moved close to Morgana to whisper, "I'll see you tonight."

"Tonight then," she whispered back.

Merlin watched her and Gwen leave for Morgana's chambers and he turned away to unpack his and Arthur's horses. He got Arthur's things unpacked and served Arthur dinner before heading to Gaius's chambers to share his story with the physician.

"Hey, Gaius," he said as he walked through the door to the main chamber.

Gaius looked up. "Merlin. I heard you had quite the adventure."

"You don't know the half of it." Merlin closed the door behind him.

"Oh? I take it you have a different version of events?"

"Somewhat. I did the usual saving of Arthur's neck, but this time a bandit came after me and Morgana."

"What happened?"

"I tried to get her to hide but the bandit came so fast I used instinctual magic to send him flying. And Morgana saw."

Gaius drew in a loud breath. "Merlin!"

"I know, I know. But what's done is done. At least I think I convinced her not to talk to anyone about it."

"Are you sure?"

"I promised to tell her tonight."

"Merlin! You shouldn't be so careless."

"I'm not! She already knows, Gaius. What further harm can be done?"

"She shouldn't know the extent of your powers. She could decide to tell Uther."

"But she won't. She's in love with me, remember? And now I think I love her too."

"That's . . . wonderful, Merlin. I guess I cannot talk you out of telling her everything, can I?"

"Nope."

"Then good luck, my boy. Here's her potion."

"Thank you, Gaius."

Merlin picked up the bottle of potion and made his way to Morgana's chambers. He waited after his knock to hear her say "enter" and went in. He locked the door behind him then turned to find Morgana sitting on her bed. She looked even more beautiful now than she had in the woods, especially as she smiled up at him brightly.

"Hello, Morgana."

"Merlin." She stood and walked over to him, taking the bottle out of his hands and tossing it to the bed behind her. "So."

"So?"

"So, you're magic."

"Yes I am."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I'm sorry, Morgana, I wanted to, but Gaius and . . . Gaius asked me not to. He said you'd just be in more danger if you knew."

"You could have told me after I came back from the druids. I knew then."

"I know. And I should have, I'm sorry. But I was also afraid for myself. If you knew, what would you do? You're so close to the King, I thought you might—"

"Merlin." She took his face in her hands. "I care too much for you to ever do that. Even then. Even now. I'll never tell another person." She looked right into his eyes. "I promise."

Merlin felt all warm inside. "Thank you, Morgana."

She put a finger on his lips "Anything for the man I love." She moved her finger so he could speak.

"I love you too."

A look of such joy came over her face that he couldn't wait any longer. He pushed forward to meld their lips together, and at the first press he felt an odd tingle wash over him. The spell had broken and they were still kissing. He relaxed into the kiss just before she took control of it. Her hands threaded into his hair to keep him close to her. Her tongue darted out to lick at his bottom lip so he opened his mouth with a groan. He let her claim him thoroughly, holding onto her hips like his life depended on it. And maybe it did.

They broke for air and she took his hand. "Come. Tell me all about your magic." She pulled him to sit on the bed.

He eyed it warily. "I . . ."

She giggled up at him. "Oh, don't worry. I don't think either if us is ready for that yet."

"Right." He sat next to her. "So, about my magic . . ."

"How long have you had it?"

"Since I was born."

She gasped. "I've never heard of that before."

"Neither have I, to be honest. Gaius tells me I'm an enigma."

"So what can you do?"

"This and that. Create fire. Send people flying, obviously."

"What can't you do?"

"I have this spell book, and so far I've been able to do everything in it. Not always on the first try though."

"Wow." She thought for a moment. "Will you teach me?"

"Teach you? Morgana . . . what you're asking is dangerous. What we're doing now is dangerous enough."

"What we're doing now, hmm?" She leaned forward to give him a lingering kiss that warmed him from head to toe.

"Yeah . . . I mean, yes. Dangerous."

"But we don't have to do anything big. I really want to learn to control my magic. I've been fortunate there have been no more fires. But it won't always be that way. This morning . . ."

"Your nightmare?"

"Vision. It came true when we were attacked. You . . ." she choked up and he put his arm around her. "You died when that bandit came forward. But I expected it to happen on the way there, not on the way home. And then you surprised me."

"I could tell."

"Oh Merlin, I'm just glad you're safe."

"Me too."

"Oh stop it, you." She swatted at him, but he caught her hand and pulled her into a sweet kiss that went on and on until he lost balance and she fell on top of him. Their lips were forced apart and both started laughing. Morgana sat up and pulled Merlin with her.

"Guess that's my cue to leave for the night." He stood.

"Aww, don't go yet." She also stood and put a hand to his chest.

"Morgana, I shouldn't stay too long. People could get suspicious."

"That's true. We must be careful."

"I'm glad you think so."

She raised her eyebrow at that. "What makes you say that?"

"Oh, umm . . ."

"Merlin."

"You haven't been yourself the last few days."

"Why? What did I do?"

Uh oh, he'd really done it now. "You were . . . less cautious about how you showed your affection."

"And why is that? Do you know?"

He began backing up. "Umm . . ."

"Merlin."

"All right. I accidentally cast a spell to cause my true love to reveal herself to me . . . and you did."

She folded her arms across her chest. "So a spell made me fall in love with you."

"Yes. No. Really, it just made you a bit more forward than you'd usually be. The spell could only bring out something that was already there. It couldn't create love out of thin air."

She blushed. "Ah, so now you know my secret."

He took her hand. "I'm flattered you cared about me. Still care about me."

She nodded. "Yes, of course."

He pulled on her hard to bring her closer. "Well that's good then. Because I definitely love you back."

She cuddled close. "Mm, good."

He looked down at her and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her. Then he continued the motion downward to cup her jaw. He brought her face up to his for a lingering kiss. He put his arms around her for a long moment before breaking away. "I really should be going."

"Yes, probably." But neither let go for a few moments until Morgana sighed and stepped back. "See you tomorrow?"

"You can't stop me." He grinned down at her, then gave her another quick peck before heading to the door. "Goodnight, love," he said as he unbolted the door.

"Goodnight."

xxxXxxx

Merlin told Gaius about the most recent development. He blushed when he admitted how much he loved Morgana. Gaius just laughed and gave him a hug. Then he pulled back and admonished Merlin to be careful again. It was even more important now that Morgana knew his secret.

Only Arthur and Gwen noticed Merlin and Morgana's softening around each other. They caught the shy looks and cautious touches. Arthur lectured Merlin again about being with Morgana, but the besotted servant just laughed and said, "We love each other." Gwen also questioned Morgana and was told nearly the same thing. It seemed these two would not part from each other.

Eventually Arthur and Gwen shared their findings and that drew them closer together. Soon they were all sharing their mutual joy and the four friends became even closer.

A big thanks to everyone for reading! :) I hope y ou enjoyed this last chapter. Have a wonderful day!