I gotta say, the writing is on point this chapter. I'm currently reading the scene with Morgause looking at Merlin at the banquet, and the tension as I pictured it gave me a chill, legit. I really appreciate your ability to accurately write the characters, even in this AU situation. While there hasn't been a purge and Uther has allowed two sorcerors in his court, there's still a very tense atmosphere that would absolutely be in the show if the story went this way. Then when Merlin and Morgause meet eyes from across the room, I could really imagine Morgause's blank face and powerful look that Merlin could only guess the meaning of. I love your writing in a lot of your stories (I've been binging them all for the past few days), but I really felt the need to comment on my pleasure with this scene and characterization.

I'll be reading more of your stories for the next few days I expect, and I'm so excited to get to see your writing and more of my favorite bromance. btw, I love how badass Merlin gets to be in this story, but not stereotypically so. We know Merlin is badass in the show, but this tattooed, former druid Merlin who doesn't hide his magic and openly protects Arthur in front of Uther is my dream come true I think lol

I like a good Morgana. Not happy with how she is deal with in canon. Merlin helping her would have changed everything. For Merlin and Arthur to see aurelian is awesome.

I like how this chapter played out. Except for Morgana leaving.i like how you made Mordred a hero instead of an enemy in the previous chapter. Hopefully Uther won't go nuclear on Merlin.

Disturbing you are still writing Merlin as Arthur s possession to hit or hurt or do his bidding. I like your royal Merlin fic better for this reason. I do like that Arthur is protective and kind toward Merlin for the most part.

I ship mergana. at least Merlin didn't get his heart broken by lost love. still disturbed by how much touch there is between Arthur and Merlin and you delete Morgana from scenes like she is interrupting alone time between Arthur and Merlin. Merthur makes my skin crawl and stomach nauseous. I don't mind their friend ship but this borders inappropriateness between them. How you follow actual Arthurian legend and embellish it is interesting. As you are going au, It would be nice if Uther embraced magic, rewarded Merlin with a court position and sanctioned a relationship between Merlin and Morgana so they could court and marry. I read your note that Gwen is coming into the next sequel. I am looking forward to that as I am hoping it will balance out the bromance that makes me uncomfortable.

Too much bromance.

I like au

Nice that Merlin's magic saved Will. Also good , great wonderful that Morgana came to help. Waiting for magic lessons taught by Merlin to Morgana and some romance between them. They belong together. Also where is Guinevere for Arthur?

A kiss from Morgana to Merlin. About time. These two belong together.

Hm... I don’t know how I feel about Gwen not being there... but I LOVE this take so far!

Love Merlin's outburst about trusting magic! I felt so empowered and glad he finally got to say to both Uther and Arthur.

Wow, fascinating ending. I can't wait to see where you take it next. I do hope Morgana remains good.

If you couldn't give Mordred a good life, you at least gave him a good death.

Yay for Morgause as an ally!

Good job finding an AU that worked with this episode!