Merlin kept eying Princess Myrine's token as he aided Arthur into his armor, possibilities tumbling through his mind. He could rip it out of Arthur's hands and run, but he was pretty sure Arthur would catch him and then what excuse could he make? He could warn Arthur, but that would require explaining how he even knew something was wrong when Arthur hadn't sensed anything. Either way he'd be impugning the woman Arthur had chosen to devote himself to no matter his feelings. Anything he said wouldn't go over well.

Merlin paused as he buckled Arthur's pauldron. Wait. What if the token wasn't even bad? He couldn't tell if the magic was good or bad from the feel of it. Maybe getting rid of the token was exactly what would lead Arthur down the wrong path. Princess Myrine had been abrupt with him, but hadn't she treated him that way since she arrived? Merlin stared into nothing, stymied.

"Merlin. Wake up!" Arthur shrugged his shoulders as he looked back at his servant boy.

Merlin blinked and continued connecting Arthur's armor.

"Something on your mind?"

Merlin tried to figure out how to be truthful without being truthful.

"Is it Myrine?"

Merlin swallowed. "Yes." But not in the way you think.

"We've been over this."

"I was just thinking...the token she gave you..."

His armor secured, Arthur turned. "What of it?"

"There's something about it."

Arthur creased one eyebrow skeptically. "About the token."

Merlin knew he seemed an idiot, but he plugged ahead anyway. "It's just, it looks like, I don't know, that there's something wrong with it."

Arthur stared for a moment longer, then chuckled. He ruffled Merlin's hair like always. "My poor servant boy. I'll forgive you until she's my wife, but you need to get over this." Arthur moved to the tent flap. "Part of life is learning to accept what you can't change, Merlin." He exited.

Merlin blew out a long breath. That was exactly what he couldn't do.

Merlin pushed through gathered crowds as Uther stood in the royal box, raising his hands for silence. He had searched the medical pavilion for Gaius until it dawned on him the physician would attend the announcement.

"People of Camelot, friends of Deorham, today we celebrate the alliance of our two kingdoms and the end to much strife!"

Cheering surrounded Merlin as he scanned the nobles sitting near the royal box.

"The joining of our two countries is fortuitous for us and for Albion. Treaties may be broken, allegiances may fail, but bonds between families endure."

Merlin finally spotted Gaius.

"Today, I announce the betrothal of Prince Arthur of Camelot to Princess Myrine of Deorham."

The crowds clapped and shouted all the more.

"Gaius!" Merlin cried out. "Gaius!"

Gaius looked to the boy waving at him from below. He stood, moving to the box steps, and met Merlin at the bottom. "What is it?"

"Arthur. He's been given something, and it's wrong. Or maybe it is. I don't know. I need your help."

Gaius clasped a hand to Merlin's shoulder and guided him away from the crowd to an area outside the arena devoid of people. "Tell me."

"Princess Myrine gave Arthur a token."

"This isn't wrong, Merlin."

"No, but it is. I said I'd give it to him, and she wouldn't let me. I touched it and felt magic."

Gaius' expression turned contemplative. "What did it look like?"

"A gray embroidered cloth."

"Was there a pattern on it?"

"A star in gold and silver."

Gaius tapped his lips with one finger. "In the old days, there was an enchantment women used to make knights fall in love with them—a token embroidered with thread imbued with the depth of their love."

Relief flooded Merlin. "So Princess Myrine just wants Arthur to love her?"

"I'm not sure. The enchantment never really worked. Most who tried it had no magic ability to cause the desired effect. That you have felt magic is unusual. And a star pattern, that is uncommon as well."

"Why?"

"It's not a typical symbol for love, even in magic circles. A star tends to appear in enchantments involving darker magic."

Merlin ran a hand through his hair. "So I should take it from Arthur?"

"I doubt he'll let you do that, especially as his betrothal was just made public."

"I don't know what to do!" Merlin exclaimed.

Gaius laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "This is why I did not wish knowledge of the future on you."

"But if Arthur dies..." Merlin's voice broke.

Gaius' eyebrows met in determination. "Watch Arthur. If this is an enchantment, the kind it is should reveal itself. Report to me. And take heart. Remember: Morgana's vision is not immutable." Gaius squeezed his shoulder encouragingly, then moved away towards the medical pavilion.

Merlin stared after the physician wondering how he could be so very calm and assured when Arthur's life hung in the balance. He made his way back towards the arena entrance intending to watch the joust. He had almost reached it when Gwen came barreling out. She sighted him and her eyes burned with anger.

"Did you know?" she accused.

It took Merlin a moment to realize she meant Arthur's betrothal. "Not when he came to practice," he answered sadly.

Gwen's chin trembled. "So I looked all the more a fool to him."

"I don't think Arthur's ever seen you as foolish," Merlin defended his master.

"All this time. He was betrothed."

Merlin, distressed to see her so upset, shared his honest thoughts. "He doesn't love her."

Gwen narrowed her eyes. "Don't lie to me."

"He doesn't, Gwen. He just thinks he has to do this. I know he loves you, not her."

Gwen stared at him in surprise and spoke quietly. "What does that matter?"

Merlin flung out a hand, his emotions spilling out. "Because this is all wrong! He shouldn't be marrying her!"

Tears appeared in Gwen's eyes, and she rushed passed him. Merlin followed her with his eyes. This wasn't right. Any of it. The betrothal, the tournament, Morgana's vision. Merlin took a step to run after Gwen, then paused. He couldn't tell her about Morgana, and yet, he should say something.

"Gwen!" Merlin called out, catching up to her and grabbing her arm.

"Leave me alone!" She tried to pull out of his grasp, but he held tightly.

"Arthur's in danger."

Gwen focused on him, tears streaking her cheeks. "W-What? What kind of danger?"

Merlin worried his lip. "I'm not sure."

"Stop pretending to make me feel better!" Gwen wrenched her arm away.

"It's true. I can't tell you like when he was poisoned, but I know he's in trouble. Something's going to happen."

Gwen stared uncertainly at him.

"I'm not making this up. Someone's going to kill him."

"Why?"

"I...don't know."

Gwen shook her head at him. "What do you know, Merlin?"

"I just... Argh!" Merlin let out a cry and turned away. Gwen's voice whispered behind him.

"Even if he is in trouble, what could I do about it?"

Merlin didn't look back. He had no idea.

"Arthur can take care of himself. He doesn't need me."

Merlin turned. "Gwen..."

"No more. Don't ever talk to me about Arthur again." She hurried away, slouched in defeat.

Merlin managed to shove his way to the front of the commoners watching the tournament. People around him grumbled and complained as the joust progressed. The knights of Camelot were known for their prowess, and yet, the knights of Deorham seemed better still. They unseated knight after knight. Until Arthur. The crowd whooped and hollered when their prince took the field. Even Merlin with all his worries shouted in jubilation when Arthur gave the knights of Deorham some of their own medicine.

By the time a break was called, only a few knights were left to face each other. Most were from Deorham, but both Arthur and Lancelot had maintained their places against them. Merlin jostled through crowds moving to lunch, wanting to help Arthur out of his armor and perhaps snatch the token away so he could show it to Gaius.

When he reached Arthur's tent, he heard Lancelot inside. "They're good."

"Too good," Arthur groused. "It's a disgraceful showing."

Merlin stepped inside the tent to see Lancelot already helping Arthur out of his armor.

"After this, we'll train two more hours a day," the prince announced.

"I don't think that's necessary," Lancelot countered. "Your knights are skilled."

"Not enough." Arthur turned, hard and angry eyes falling on Merlin. "I'm hungry."

"I'll...go get something," Merlin stammered.

Lancelot looked to Merlin and shrugged his shoulders at Arthur's foul mood. Merlin ran to retrieve Arthur's meal. He supposed Arthur wasn't used to his knights losing. He returned with two plates, handing one to Arthur and the other to Lancelot. Lancelot set the plate down as Arthur tucked into his meal.

"Don't you have your own tent?" Arthur muttered to his friend.

"I'll eat here."

"You have to prepare."

Lancelot laughed. "I'm ready."

"You'd better be."

Lancelot pulled a third chair over. "Come and eat, Merlin."

The servant boy sat down and Lancelot handed him bits from his own plate. Arthur avoided looking at either of them. After a time, Arthur threw a chicken leg down onto his plate and stood, pacing back and forth.

Lancelot sighed. "Arthur, this isn't worth getting so upset over."

Arthur turned on him. "This is my betrothal, and we're showing we're weak and easily defeated!"

Lancelot shared an awkward glance with Merlin.

Arthur raked his hand through his hair. "This was what Alined wanted—Camelot revealed to be the weaker power, that he unites his house with a kingdom to be pitied."

Warning bells pealed in Merlin's mind. His eyes flitted to the token Arthur still wore on his belt even when out of his armor. Was Arthur simply disappointed in his knights or was this the token's enchantment at work?

"Alined wants this alliance," Lancelot argued. "It will make you both stronger."

Arthur snorted. "Stronger? By linking me to a woman I don't care for?"

Merlin shifted in his seat, hearing his words to Arthur twisted into anger.

"What does Myrine have to do with this?" Lancelot inquired.

"I'm nothing but a pawn. Someone Alined can boast he's snagged for his daughter."

"That's not true."

"Get out." Arthur furiously stared down Lancelot.

Lancelot tilted his head. "I don't think I should."

"I order you as your prince."

Lancelot slowly stood. "Arthur..."

"Go."

Lancelot picked up his plate, but whispered under his breath to Merlin. "I won't go far." He left with one more concerned glance at Arthur.

Silence reigned for a moment, then Merlin spoke quietly. "Do you want to eat more?"

Arthur waved his hand dismissively. Merlin stood to remove the plates. "Does Gwen really love me?"

Merlin looked up in confusion at the prince who only a few hours ago had rationally explained banishing any thoughts of Gwen. "Yes."

Arthur suddenly grabbed his plate off the table and tossed it across the tent. Merlin ducked as food flew everywhere. "They use me as if I have no will of my own!"

Merlin's chest rose and fell rapidly. This wasn't like Arthur. He got angry, but not like this. Merlin glanced at the token again. "I'll clean your armor and wash the princess' token."

As Merlin approached him with an outstretched hand, Arthur grabbed his wrist, twisting it back.

"Ow," Merlin gasped.

"Leave it alone." Arthur's eyes bulged.

"I just want to..."

"What?"

"Erm...Arthur...I think...I think something's wrong. I think that token is...enchanted."

Arthur stared into his eyes, then laughed and let him go. Merlin clutched his throbbing wrist. "Accusing Alined of magic. Now that is an idea."

"I didn't mean that. I really think it is. You need to take it off."

"That's ridiculous, Merlin."

Merlin stared into Arthur's eyes so unlike him and his frustration surged. "Why won't you trust me?"

"Because you're a servant boy." Arthur laughed again, amused. "What value are your words?"

"But you said I had wise words and..."

"Wisdom is for royalty."

Merlin snapped. "I'm not the prat marrying someone I don't care about."

The sound of a slap shot through the tent. Merlin gaped as he brought a hand to his reddening cheek. Arthur pointed a finger at him.

"Your duty is to obey me and nothing else. Keep your mouth shut." He turned on his heel and exited the tent.

Dumbfounded, Merlin stared after him, blinking at involuntary tears.

"Gaius?"

Gaius looked up from one of the knights he was treating for a hard knock to the head. Merlin stood just inside the pavilion, eyes wet and scared.

"Here. Drink this." Gaius handed the knight a vial, then shuffled over to Merlin. He gently brushed his cheek. "What happened?"

Merlin's breath hitched as he composed himself. "Arthur."

"He hurt you?"

Merlin nodded.

Gaius' brow knit, deep with worry. "Come here." He guided Merlin away from the knight and patients' cots. He brought his hand to his cheek, whispering softly. His eyes glowed gold and the sting disappeared. "Tell me what happened."

Merlin sucked in a shaky breath. "He was upset about the knights losing the joust. He said King Alined wants him to look bad, and he's just a pawn getting betrothed to a woman he doesn't love. And then...I said I'd wash the token and he wouldn't let me touch it and I called him a prat and he..." Merlin gestured to his cheek, unwilling to describe Arthur hitting him.

Gaius clenched his jaw. "This is no love enchantment. It's making him aggressive and antagonistic. This would explain why Morgana saw him attack the king."

"But why would Myrine turn Arthur against her father?" Merlin wondered.

"I don't know." None of this made sense.

Merlin furrowed his brow and stood up straight. "I'll tell Uther."

Gaius balked. "You can't do that."

"He'll stop the tournament."

"And how will you explain you knew about the token?"

Merlin shrugged.

"And what do you think Arthur will do when you make your accusation?"

Merlin bit his lip.

"It could be your insinuation that causes him to attack King Alined." Gaius wished he could give Merlin more answers than excuses. He wished he had some idea how to manipulate the future's outcome.

Merlin rubbed at his cheek. "I can try to get the token."

Gaius looked with pity on the boy. He was so devoted to Arthur, so willing to risk the prince's anger to save him. "I doubt Arthur would let you near it. Enchantments cause people to protect the objects that bind them."

"I have to do something!" Merlin hissed. "Maybe Lancelot could help."

"Lancelot may know about you, but you shouldn't tell him. He knows enough already."

"He knows about Morgana, too," Merlin confessed. "He was the one who asked me to help her."

"Merlin," Gaius reprimanded. "How can I protect you when you don't tell me everything?"

"We can trust him." Merlin's eyes pleaded with the physician.

Gaius sighed. He hadn't liked it when Merlin revealed Lancelot knew he had magic. Gaius held nothing against the knight, but he was close friends with Arthur and had been loyal to the Pendragons to a fault. Gaius worried Lancelot's motives might be less pure than Merlin thought. Still, Lancelot had protected Merlin's secret. Perhaps the knight was an ally of magic after all.

Gaius patted Merlin's shoulder, fighting his fear as Kilgharrah had advised him. He couldn't let Merlin carry this burden alone. "I'll go with you."

Merlin and Gaius tracked down Lancelot standing at the edge of the arena.

"Merlin," Lancelot greeted. "Gaius." He turned his attention back to the arena. Merlin saw Arthur inside, striding up and down the barrier in its center. Merlin noted with relief the royal box was empty.

"What's he doing?" Gaius asked.

Lancelot shook his head. "I'm unsure."

"Lancelot," Merlin spoke quietly. "Arthur's been enchanted."

Lancelot looked down at him, then up at Gaius.

Gaius cleared his throat. "I am aware you know about Merlin."

Lancelot raised his chin. "I thought you'd sworn off magic."

Gaius wrung his hands. "I had, but Merlin has needed me."

Lancelot smiled and glanced at Merlin. "I should have known your secret was Gaius." He looked back at the stern physician. "You don't have to fear. I won't turn Merlin in...or you."

"See?" Merlin said, fixing Gaius with an "I told you" expression.

Gaius moved his gaze to Arthur. "Well, now that we agree about Merlin, perhaps we should discuss the prince."

"How is he enchanted?" Lancelot asked.

"The token the princess gave him," Merlin explained.

"We assume," Gaius clarified. "It's making Arthur aggressive. He hit Merlin."

Lancelot's eyes flashed. "He hit you?" The knight balled his fists when Merlin nodded.

"If he's enchanted, he has little control over his actions," Gaius warned.

Lancelot rubbed at his chin. "I assume you know about Morgana's dream of the future."

Gaius nodded. "It might be best if Arthur were incapacitated in some way. Then we could remove the token without his interference."

Lancelot crossed his arms over his chest. "What if I unseat him during the joust?"

"Wound him?" Merlin asked in alarm.

"Only make him take a hard fall."

Gaius looked concerned. "Being that precise isn't easy."

"I can do it. I've practiced with Arthur hundreds of times." Gaius looked dubious, but Lancelot raised his eyebrows at him. "Do you have another suggestion?"

Disgruntled, Gaius shook his head.

Merlin hesitantly entered Arthur's tent. He'd had to return to help him back into his armor.

"Merlin!" Arthur shouted. "Late enough, aren't you? Let's get this on."

Merlin didn't answer, simply obeyed. Arthur didn't engage him in conversation, but muttered under his breath. Merlin made out snatches of "Alined" and "Myrine" and "knights." When he finished, Arthur pounded his way out of the tent without so much as a "thank you." Merlin trailed after him, his stomach in knots, and slipped among the crowd once more.

Arthur defeated the other knights of Deorham with ease. Merlin had been fearful Lancelot would fail against them, but he, too, maintained his standing. Finally, Lancelot was the only opponent left for Arthur to challenge. Merlin gripped the arena railing as they faced each other, his knuckles white. The two horses charged along either side of the barrier.

"Come on, come on," Merlin whispered, both wanting Arthur to take a fall and fearing he would.

Neither knight made contact on the first pass. They turned and charged again. Lancelot's lance nicked Arthur's shoulder, but the prince righted himself. He turned his horse and not waiting for Lancelot to line up for another go, rushed him. The crowd gasped as the prince broke protocol. Lancelot recovered as fast as he could, moving towards Arthur, but he was too late. Arthur's lance hit Lancelot full in the chest, and the knight tumbled to the ground and lay still.

When Merlin reached the medical pavilion, Lancelot was already laid out on a table, Gaius' assistants for the tournament stripping him of his armor. His eyes were closed. Merlin could hardly breathe. He heard footsteps running outside, and then Morgana appeared in the tent. She ran up to the table.

"Gaius! Is he...please, don't tell me...Oh."

"He is stunned, my lady," Gaius reported, grasping her by the shoulders to gently push her back. "I will tend him." He briefly locked anxious eyes with Merlin.

Merlin berated himself. Arthur excelled at the joust. Everyone knew that. They should never have let Lancelot attempt it.

Morgana twisted her hands, her eyes filling with rare tears. Merlin moved over to her. "My lady."

Morgana glanced down at him. "Merlin." She read the dread in his own eyes and pulled him into her side. "He'll be fine."

Gaius shook his head when he beheld Lancelot's left side sporting darkening bruises from his armpit to the bottom of his ribs. Morgana tightened her hold on Merlin. Merlin tried not to cry. The flaps to the pavilion opened and Arthur marched in.

"What was he thinking?" he shouted.

Morgana stared incredulously. "Him? What about you? You didn't have to attack him so ferociously."

Arthur ground his jaw. "I already heard a lecture from father. I don't need it from you!"

"You deserve it!"

"He's the one made me a disgrace." He gesticulated at Lancelot.

Morgana gaped. "I can't believe you, Arthur. Your best friend is wounded by your hand and this is all about your pride?"

Merlin watched their argument, his head spinning. Everything was out of control.

"And I thought I should be worried about you," Morgana accused. "Lancelot is more a man than you will ever be."

Arthur rushed at her. Merlin jumped in front of the ward, shoving his hands into Arthur's chest. Arthur snatched him by the arms and threw him to the side.

"Arthur!" Morgana shouted.

Gaius gestured to two of his assistants. "Get him out of here." They looked uncertain for a moment until Gaius shouted again. "I don't care if he's the prince." They made to move towards Arthur, but the prince whirled around.

"I don't need to be escorted like a child!"

Morgana stared after him in disbelief.

"Merlin," Gaius called. Merlin, who had just picked himself up off the floor, met Gaius' eyes. "Stop him."

Merlin dashed out of the pavilion. Arthur was marching away with his back to him. He had to get that token, no matter what. He spied a crate along the path, and his eyes flashed gold as it tumbled into the prince's way. Arthur tripped, sprawling.

Merlin made his move. "Let me help you," he said, reaching down towards Arthur, but instead of helping him up, he grabbed at the token. It tore along the seam as he yanked.

"What the... Merlin!" Arthur grasped his upper arm, holding him as he stood. He glared at the token partially torn away from his belt. He set fiery eyes on Merlin.

Merlin began to shake. Magic. Use magic. Do it. Magic rose under his skin. No! Habit shoved it back down as self-preservation kicked in. With the mood Arthur was in, he'd send him to the chopping block in an instant, and curious people had already approached them. They'd see anything he did. Uther would hear about it and certainly have his head.

"Guards!" Arthur called out. Two came rushing to the prince's aid. Arthur tossed Merlin at them. "Put him in the stocks."

Merlin struggled in their grasp. "Arthur! Please! Arthur!" The prince walked away as if he didn't even hear his servant's cries.

By the time the guards reached the lower town, Merlin slumped in their grip. Tears graced his cheeks. He had failed. Nothing he had done mattered. He hung his head as he was locked in place, hardly hearing the voices calling out someone was being punished. One wretched truth filled his mind: Gaius was wrong. He couldn't fight the future. The future was set in stone.