So, this is kind of my challenge to myself. I'm writing one fanfiction for each episode of Merlin. Some are one-shots, some are longer stories. I ran out of ideas for fanfictions so this is how I'm dealing with that. If anyone has any prompts for me, feel free to leave it in a review and if I write it after I finish writing these 65 stories, I'll dedicate it to you… so, thanks. And I give you Season 2 Episode 10.

Summary: Merlin sends Gwen in to break the curse. It doesn't work, in fact it has the strangest side-effect. Merlin and Gwen go on a journey to discover why true loves kiss didn't break the spell and free Arthur from the enchantment that has taken hold on him.

Story 23: True Loves Kiss

Chapter 1: Sleeping Beauty

Merlin paced outside the tent where Gwen was with Arthur. She should have been out by now. He debated entering the tent, but he didn't want to risk walking in on something he shouldn't have. Not that he believed Arthur would do something dishonorable. As a prince, Arthur was held to a different set of standards than ordinary people. Merlin was more concerned that he would walk in and be the reason that Gwen couldn't break the enchantment.

Merlin strained to hear what was happening inside the tent, but all he could hear was indistinct mumbling.

He was given a split seconds notice before Gwen stormed out of the tent in tears. "What happened?" Merlin asked anxiously.

"I have never been so embarrassed in my life," Gwen told him angrily. "What were you thinking sending me in there?"

"It didn't work?" Merlin asked shocked. He knew that Gwen was Arthur's one true love. Their love had been foretold. She was the once and future queen, meant to rule by Arthur's side. He had been told so. Merlin racked his brain, trying to figure out why it hadn't worked. He could think of no rational reason, which made sense because magic was about as irrational as it gets.

"Obviously not. I don't know exactly what you expected to happen, but whatever it was, you were wrong," Gwen choked out. "I'm so humiliated!"

"Gwen, I'm so sorry. I honestly thought…" Merlin started to say. He didn't finish his thought because he was suddenly distracted by a loud clanging noise coming from inside.

He and Gwen turned to enter the tent only to see Arthur collapsed on the ground. Merlin rushed to his side and placed his hand under Arthur's nose. He was breathing evenly. Merlin frowned. If he had collapsed because of his wound, he would have ragged breath.

"What is it?" Gwen asked, confused by the perplexed look on Merlin's face.

It almost looked like Arthur had fallen asleep. "Arthur?" Merlin asked. "Arthur!" Merlin leaned back so he wasn't leaning over the prince. "This doesn't make sense. I think he's asleep."

"Asleep?" Gwen asked confused.

Merlin shook Arthur, hoping to wake him up. Nothing changed. "I don't know what's happening," Merlin admitted.

"I'm going to fetch Gaius," Gwen said quickly.

"And Uther. I think this is a side-effect of the spell he was under. We must let Uther know so that he can speak with Olaf," Merlin told her urgently. He hated to involve Uther. He knew it was a sure fire way to ruin the peace the rulers of the nations had come here to forge, but he could see no alternative. "Olaf may withdraw from the match if he knows Arthur's feelings for his daughter were caused by an enchantment."

Gwen made a face, showing her distaste for the king. Her feelings were justified. She had suffered much at Uther's hands and it pained her that she was still expected to be respectful toward the likes of him. "I'll do it for Arthur," Gwen agreed quietly. She left without another word. Within a few minutes, the tent flap flew open revealing Uther and two of his knights.

Gaius was on his heels. He raised his eyebrows at Merlin. Merlin only shook his head. He couldn't explain what was happening. Even if he knew it definitely wasn't something he could speak about in front of Uther. Gaius knelt down next to Arthur.

"What happened?" Uther demanded.

"Gwen and I were bandaging Arthur after his last fight with Olaf when suddenly he collapsed," Merlin explained quickly. "But it is not like he has fainted. It seems like he is asleep."

Uther held up his hand to silence Merlin. He glanced back at Gaius who was poking and prodding Arthur. "What do you believe is happening physician?" Uther asked.

"I would like to hear what Merlin has to say," Gaius said quietly.

Uther reluctantly nodded. He looked like Gaius had inconvenience him. "Proceed," he ordered.

"Sire, I have noticed that something has been off with Arthur lately. I believe that he may have been enchanted to have feelings for the Lady Vivien," Merlin explained quickly. "This strange sleep he is in may be part of that enchantment."

"Enchanted? No one would dare enchant my son," Uther said furiously.

"My lord, listen to the boy. He spends more time with Arthur than you do. If anyone would know that the prince is exhibiting strange behavior, it is him," Gaius advised.

"Why would someone want to enchant Arthur?" Uther asked.

"You are amidst a revolutionary treaty. There are many people who may seek war over peace," Merlin suggested.

Uther shook his head. "If this were sorcery, I would know," he said resolutely. He turned back to his guards. "Help me get him to his chambers. Gaius come. You must examine him thoroughly."

"Yes my lord," Gaius agreed. "I must stop by my chambers first to get some supplies." He waited until Uther and the guards disappeared before he turned to Merlin. "What happened?"

"I cannot explain it," Merlin told him. He grabbed tufts of his hair in his hands. "It didn't work. True loves kiss was supposed to break the spell, but it didn't. Instead it put him to sleep."

"Are you sure true loves kiss is the only way to break it?" Gaius asked.

"Yes," Merlin said frantically. He glanced at Gwen then back at Gaius. "I was told the greatest force of all is love. You must find the woman who Arthur truly loves. One kiss from her and the enchantment will be broken." Merlin mimicked Kilgharrah to the best of his ability. "But apparently I lie or leave out very important details about how a side effect of the solution may be to put the prince to sleep."

"Honestly Merlin," Gaius chastised. "Sometimes I worry about you." His face instantly got serious. "You know what you must do." He glanced at Gwen then back at Merlin. "I must go examine Arthur. Gwen, would you be able to get me some water and bring it to Arthur's chambers?"

Gwen nodded and left without question. She looked confused by the conversation they had just shared, but one of the great things about Gwen is that she rarely pried into their business.

"Go speak with Kilgharrah. He must know something," Gaius urged him.

"And if he doesn't?" Merlin asked.

"Let's pray he does," Gaius said solemnly.