Morgana was in Arthur's chambers, poultice in hand. Just because the first part of her plan had been unsuccessful didn't mean that she had to abandon it completely. She could still stop Arthur and Gwen's love, if she played her part correctly.
Suddenly, she heard a noise from the hallway. Morgana quickly shoved the poultice under Arthur's pillow and hid herself under his bed. It was Merlin! What was he doing in Arthur's room? The stupid servant always got himself into situations he didn't belong in.
Merlin walked over to the bed, and Morgana considered using magic to knock him out and escape. She decided against it, though. It would be safer to wait it out.
She gasped as a noise came from the window. She wished with all her might that Merlin hadn't heard her. Her wish came true; Merlin was as surprised as she was. They were both looking at the window when Arthur's blonde hair came into view. Arthur then proceeded to climb through the window and fall onto the floor. Morgana squeezed herself into as little space as possible so that Arthur couldn't see her as he got up. Again, her wish came true as Merlin hurried over to help Arthur up.
"What are you doing?" Merlin asked Arthur.
"Listen, Merlin," Arthur said as he straightened his tunic. "I've got no time to spare." Arthur quickly checked over Merlin's shoulder to make sure no one was listening. Morgana smirked from under the bed. "You know how I feel about Guinevere," Arthur started. Merlin smiled and nodded.
"I know very well, Arthur," Merlin said teasingly.
"It's not funny. This is no joke." Merlin's smile instantly faded. "Guinevere and I both know that my father would never approve of us being together. So we're going to run away." Morgana's lips parted in an O. "I know what you're thinking," Arthur continued. "Camelot should come first, Gwen is just a servant, I know."
"Arthur, that's not what I was thinking at all," said Merlin. "I know how you feel. I know how she feels. I was thinking, 'Where are you going and when?'"
"You know, Merlin. You might not be the worst servant in the Five Kingdoms. Perhaps just the worst in Camelot." Merlin smiled with pride. "Anyway," Arthur continued, "I need you to explain to my father why I am not in Camelot. I want you to tell him that we were on a hunting trip, and I was kidnapped by a powerful sorcerer. There was nothing you could do to stop him, and you have no idea where I might be."
"Okay," Merlin agreed. "If you let me come with you."
"No, Merlin, you cannot come with us. The whole point is for me and Gwen to be alone," Arthur said, exasperated.
"But I know where you can stay safe."
"And that is...?"
"I don't want to tell you now," Merlin said as his eyes flicked down near Morgana's hiding place. Morgana felt her breath leave her. Did the servant know she was down there? How did he find out? Merlin continued talking. "How about this: I'll ride down to meet Gwen with you and walk back. That way, you both can have horses to travel with. Before you leave, I'll tell you where to go and give you a note for once you get there. I can promise you will be safe there." Arthur thought it over for a second.
"Okay. You must tell my father the story, and make it believable. You know where to find me and Gwen. I expect you to be there in an hour. If not, Gwen and I will leave without you." Merlin agreed, and Arthur began climbing back out the window.
Merlin headed back to the door to Arthur's chambers. As he left, Morgana couldn't tear her eyes off the thing he was holding in his hand. Her poultice. Merlin had seen it, and he knew of its powers. That confirmed Morgana's suspicions-Merlin had magic, too.