A while had passed, although Merlin wasn't exactly aware of how much time had passed since Arthur came looking for him, Gwen was still unconscious, and a forbidden thought popped into Merlin's mind. Ever since he had set foot in Camelot, he had lusted after the now Queen, Guinevere. After all, he has known Gwen since she was a lowly servant to The Lady Morgana herself.
Now, all that had changed however, and, unless Merlin could find a suitable cure for the Queen, he could face being deprived of duty to Arthur, and he couldn't face that, it was his destiny to look out for him, after all.
In a way, Merlin still loved the Queen. He loved her like a sister, because, unlike Arthur, she was fair and just towards all of her servants, whatever rank they were.
He finished the potion he was preparing and poured it into a near wooden bowl. This would have to do; there was no time to act picky. He pressed the bowl to Gwen's lips and prayed for a miracle; about a minute passed. Gwen's lips were closed and the liquid seeped onto her gown. Merlin placed his head in his hands, and for a minute, silent tears slid down his cheeks, he closed his eyes, once again, praying.
About another minute passed. Merlin was preparing himself for the worst. Just then, Gwen's eyes shot open and she coughed violently. She sat up, dazed. Confusion spread across her pale cheeks. "Merlin…" She looked straight at him, her eyes glazed over slightly.
Merlin stood up, embarrassed, "Gwen, I'm so glad you're alright, I thought you'd gone." He babbled, unable to control his obvious delight.
"Merlin, what is the meaning of this?" Gwen rubbed her head, blinking like a deer in headlights.
Merlin looked at her, puzzled, "I saved you, you were in the woods…don't you remember going into the woods?" He asked, awe spreading across his face.
Gwen shook her head. "No, I- I can't remember anything."
Merlin laughed uncertainly, a little disappointed that she couldn't remember his act of kindness, "Anyway, better get you off to your Chambers, before Arthur finds you in here…" He laughed again, pouring the remainder of the potion into a nearby bucket.
"Merlin..." Gwen smiled, kindly, "I think it's a bit late for that..."
Merlin raised an eyebrow, not understanding her. Gwen gestured behind him, he turned around, gingerly.
"Merlin," Merlin's heart pounded once again against his clothes, his brow furrowed.
"Sire…" He bowed, avoiding eye contact.
"What is the meaning of this, why is Guinevere in here?" Arthur's own brow furrowed, his expression turned stony.
"She was, just, well, resting here for a while." Merlin tripped over his words like a school boy in trouble for swearing.
"Oh, was she now?" Arthur's expression remained stony, he looked first at Merlin, then his wife.
Merlin laughed awkwardly, Gwen stayed silent.
"Well, she has her own Chamber to rest, don't you, Guinevere?" Arthur held out his hand towards his wife, who eagerly took it. Getting to her feet, she smiled fondly at Merlin, glanced back at Arthur, kissed him tenderly on his cheek, and then exited the room.
When she had gone, Arthur looked at Merlin. "Can you explain to me why Guinevere was in here, please, Merlin?"
Merlin looked at him, "I can't, Sire," He shuffled on his feet nervously.
Arthur looked daggers at Merlin, "Maybe a day in the stocks would refresh your memory, then." He laughed to himself, pleased.
Merlin shuddered, and began to try and explain himself, "Arthur, it was nothing bad. She was just here, we were just talking."
"GUARDS!" Arthur screamed, and two Guard's entered, "Take him to the stocks." He ordered. Merlin tensed under the presence of them.