Merlin enters his king's chamber in a happy mood. It is early in the morning. Gwen has almost awakened and has left the room. Arthur sits on his bed. He isn't pleased as he looks over to his servant. "Merlin how is it possible that you are in such a good mood in the morning? At that time?" Merlin smiles and opens the cupboard. While handling a shirt to his friend, he asks: "My Lord, you didn't forget what a day is today?" Arthur falls down backwards on his bed. "A day like everyone. A day full of work." Merlin grins: "That's wrong. Today we will have a day off together. We'll have a ride." Immediately the king sits up: "A Day off? A ride?" Merlin complains: "You did. You forgot it. You promised to spend the day with me. You've told me, that you are going to have time for me for a ride. If you remember I wanted to tell you some things about me." He looks into his friend's eyes. "Or aren't you interested anymore?"
Arthur stands up: "I'm interested in everything what keeps me away from my daily work." Merlin looks sceptically, so Arthur adds: "But at most I'm interested in getting to know you." He grins at his servant. Merlin sighs. "Maybe I should think about that. Maybe it wasn't that a good idea as I thought." "Merlin, Don't you dare! You can't withdraw!" Now Merlin grins: "I won't. Everything is prepared. The horses are waiting for us in the courtyard." His king smiles. His mood is going better and better. He takes his shirt and Merlin helps him getting dressed.
"Merlin, where are we going to?" His friend smiles at his king. "This is a surprise. I'll take charge today. You have to trust me." Arthur isn't pleased, sceptically he looks at Merlin. "You are not going to tell me something?" Merlin smiles deeply: "No. But you should take your sword with you. I have heard, there could be a lot of bandits." Arthur shakes his head: "Sounds... nice. Maybe you should tell me, where we are going to. Only for sure." "No chance." He is still smiling. "Are you ready?" Arthur nods. "What about breakfast?" His servant is already on his way out of the room. "We will have it on the way. I wait for you in the courtyard." He bows and leaves the room.
Gwen enters the room. "Arthur, you aren't already gone?" He smiles: "I'm not leaving without a kiss." He takes her in his arms and kisses her. "Are you going to miss me?" His queen laughs: "I'll use the day for doing all the things I can't do with you." "And this is?" Gwen smiles: "I'll have a long walk through the park, meet some friends and visit the market." Arthur also smiles: "Sounds like fun. I'm not sure what I'm going to get to see this day. But whatever it is, it seems to be very important to Merlin." Gwen nods: "Indeed. Just enjoy the day. I'm sure he will." Arthur kisses his queen again. "Arthur, you should better leave now. He is waiting for you..." The king sighs: "Alright." He walks towards the door and leaves the room. Gwen watches him smiling.