Amelia's POV
The doors to the Throne room open slowly to reveal a room full of people lined up on either side. There's choir music playing softly in the background. A female figure can be seen dressed in a rich, purple, and gold gown, walking down the aisle between the knights and courtiers of Camelot. She kneels on the dais before someone and it is revealed that the woman is Gwen and the man she is kneeling before is Arthur wearing the King's crown.
He sticks his arm out and a servant walks forward with a cushion that has an ornate crown sitting on top. Arthur takes the crown and begins speaking, "By the sacred laws vested in me, I pronounce you Guinevere, Queen of Camelot."
Arthur crowns her, takes her hand and they each sit on a throne, looking out to the people in the room. Gaius, Merlin, and Anne stand on one side of the aisle while the knights, including Leon, Elyan and Gwaine, stand on the other side with a knight she doesn't recognise standing amongst them. Everyone is beaming.
—
Amelia gasps awake, sits up and breathes rapidly and shakily. It wasn't the content of the dream that disturbed her, if anything she's thrilled and mildly confused. Amelia hasn't had a dream in so long and it was so clear that she feels shaken by it.
She looks down at her healing bracelet in confusion. Amelia had thought this was meant to stop her dreams. She gets up and stands at her window.
"Amelia? Is everything all right?" Amelia turns to see Anne standing there with a candle.
"Er, um… yes, yes of course." Amelia stumbles.
Anne isn't convinced. "Amelia…"
"It, i-its just… I had a dream."
Anne frowns. "But I thought they had stopped."
"Apparently not." Amelia replies looking down at her bracelet.
Amelia hears Anne walk over and looks up as Anne asks, "Was it a bad one?"
Amelia earnestly shakes her head. "No, no." She smiles to herself. "A good one actually."
"Oh?"
"I dreamed of Arthur being King and him crowning Gwen as his Queen." Amelia informs Anne.
Anne gasps in delight. "Really?! Tell me more! What was Gwen wearing? Was I there? What was I—"
Amelia quickly cuts off Anne, laughing. "Anne, Anne! I'll tell you all about it tomorrow but let me go back to bed!"
Anne pouts. "Okay, fine. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Amelia smiles at her.
As soon as Anne is gone, Amelia's smile drops. She can't help but worry about the contents of her dream now she has begun to digest it. Practically everyone was there, including faces she did not recognise, but where was she? Why wasn't Amelia or Morgana there? Morgana might have been caught out for being a spy and had fled Camelot but why wasn't Amelia there? She had been waiting for this day and what? She doesn't turn up?
There are so many questions Amelia can't answer right now. She shelves her worries as while it seems clear that Gwen will be crowned one day (cross your fingers) everything around it can easily change. Amelia clings to that hope.
—
Amelia had told Anne almost everything about her dream the next day, which puts her mood back on track due to Anne's excitement about the day. However, this soon changes when Morgana later confides she had the same dream as well. Morgana had different worries to Amelia's as from her point of view this could mean that Morgana doesn't get 'her' crown.
Amelia tries to reassure her that the dream might not come to pass and all those usual lies Gaius had fed them about their dreams over the years. Yet, it no longer begins to work when both of them begin having the dream night after night.
It comes to a head when after almost a week of these dreams, Amelia and Morgana are walking through the Castle's corridors before breakfast one morning.
They are walking through the Balcony Corridor when Amelia begins hearing echoing whispers saying, "Sisters. Sisters."
Amelia stops and sees that Morgana has done the same. "You hear that right?"
"Yes." Morgana murmurs. Her eyes flicker around as if to try and find the source.
"Oh good, I thought I was hearing things," Amelia remarks.
"You're not." Her sister replies as she begins walking again. Amelia quickly follows.
"Or maybe we're going insane together…"
Morgana rolls her eyes. "Amelia…"
"Sisters…" The same voice echoes when they step into a new corridor. A door opens near Morgana and Amelia.
"Sisters, this way..." A torch lights up. "Sisters..."
Amelia cautiously takes the torch.
"Sisters... This way…"
They enter the door and follow the whispers until they enter a Chamber that is below the Castle. It's empty and the two sisters glance at each other in confusion before entering the room further.
"Hello, Sisters." Amelia hears. She and Morgana spin around to see a beaming Morgause behind them. Amelia drops her torch and rushes forward as Morgana does the same, to join in on the hug they all share. Amelia hears Morgana breathe a sigh of relief but Amelia is feeling anything but that. The sight of her sister does not bring relief but anxiousness and guilt.
"I can't tell you how good it is to see you." Amelia tells her eldest half sister as so to keep up the ruse of a loving sister.
"I received your message." Morgause says. She pulls back so she can look at them, placing each hand on one of their cheeks. The message had been Morgana's idea and Amelia couldn't think of a way to talk her out of it without raising her suspicions. "Tell me about these dreams that are so troubling to you."
Morgana takes her hand off her cheek, causing Morgause to drop both of them before speaking, "They show a ceremony in Camelot. It's my serving girl, Gwen, she sits beside Arthur on a throne. She's crowned Queen. We see the same thing night after night."
Morgause looks down at their bracelets. "There are some dreams that are so powerful your healing bracelets will not stop them." She looks back at them. "It is a prophecy."
That is what Amelia had hoped for in her shipper heart but also dread as this will cause her sisters to react. Amelia doesn't voice these concerns and instead says, "How can that be? She's a servant. Uther would never allow Arthur to marry her."
"There are many futures, Sisters." Morgause explains as she walks around them. "Some are shrouded in mist, and others are clear as cut glass." She stops and turns to them. "But your gifts are powerful, and this vision cannot be ignored. You cannot allow this serving girl to take Morgana's rightful place upon the throne. Whatever relationship exists between Arthur and… Gwen, you must destroy it."
Morgana smirks and nods and Amelia does the same. Oh, God. Hopefully, Amelia can stop it before it gets really bad.
—
Gwen and Merlin serve Uther, Arthur, Amelia, and Morgana breakfast in the Council Chambers.
"What news from the northern borders?" Uther is asking his son.
"There've been a number of minor skirmishes," Arthur replies as Gwen pours the contents of her jug into Uther's cup then Arthur's. Amelia watches as Arthur accidentally touches Gwen's hand when she reaches to pour his drink and both pull back awkwardly. Usually, this would make Amelia smile fondly but she sees that Morgana has also noticed the interaction based on her sister's glare.
"You think Odin is testing our defences?" Uther asks but receives no reply as Arthur stares admiringly at Gwen. "Arthur, are you listening?"
"What's that?" Arthur reaches forward and accidentally knocks over his cup. Gwen jumps forward to clean the mess.
"What on earth is wrong with you?!" Uther exclaims.
Amelia sees Merlin smile and Morgana grimace. This isn't good.
"Nothing. Sorry." Arthur apologises.
—
Morgana tells Amelia of her plan to get Arthur and Gwen caught by Uther, but first, they need to encourage Arthur. Amelia reassures herself that helping Morgana getting Uther to know will help Arwen in the long run as Morgana will no longer see Gwen as a threat and Gwen will be fine.
Amelia is telling herself this as she and Morgana go to visit Arthur's Chambers after breakfast. They open the door to peek in to find Arthur looking up from a blank piece of parchment as he sits at the table.
"Morgana. Amelia." He greets.
"Arthur, are we disturbing you?" Morgana asks.
"No. Come in." The two sisters step inside, closing the door and turning to Arthur as he asks, "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Amelia swallows thickly before speaking, "Well, we were worried about you. You weren't yourself earlier."
"Just a bit tired." Arthur dismisses, looking down.
"Really?" Morgana questions with a wide smirk before walking over to pour two cups for her and Amelia while Amelia sits on Arthur's right, one seat down. "We thought the reason you were so distracted had something to do with the fact that Gwen was in the room."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Arthur says unconvincingly.
Amelia shares a look with Morgana, who nods in encouragement. Amelia really doesn't like this but powers through and fakes a chuckle. "Come on, Arthur. Why can't you admit you have feelings for her? A blind man could see it." Morgana takes a seat between Amelia and Arthur.
For a moment Arthur doesn't respond but it seems curiosity gets the better of him and he turns to the two women and asks, "Is it really that obvious?"
"It's only so obvious to us because... we know Gwen also has feelings for you." Morgana remarks. Amelia takes a big gulp of her drink so to have some liquid courage.
"Has she said something?" Arthur eagerly asks, leaning forward.
Amelia shrugs with a teasing smirk though unknown to the two people in the room, it's false. "She speaks of you all the time." She wishes she could enjoy this teasing.
"What did she say?"
"You're already arrogant enough. I will flatter you no further." Morgana argues, taking a sip of her drink. Amelia knows she's about to go in for the attack. "Poor girl, I fear she doesn't know what to do with herself when she's around you."
"She's not alone. I have such feelings for her, and yet I know nothing can ever come of them." Arthur admits. Amelia smiles softly at his vulnerability though the smile goes when she recalls what she's doing.
"If it's Gwen who you desire, why do you deny yourself?" Amelia questions.
Arthur snaps out of it and reclines in his chair. "Because she's a servant. My father would have me marry for the good of the Kingdom."
"Uther knows nothing of love." Morgana scoffs. Amelia agrees with her there. "You are the future King; you must set your own rules. Besides, he doesn't have to find out."
Amelia and Morgana get up to leave but not before Morgana nudges Amelia to deliver the final blow.
"You should spend some time with Gwen. I know she'd like that." Amelia tells him softly, stroking his arm.
—
Amelia is told by Anne that Arthur has invited Gwen out for a picnic and Amelia pretends to smile and nod as they discuss how this will bring Arthur and Gwen closer to what Amelia had seen in her vision. Amelia really hopes so. Hopefully, Arthur, after they are caught, either backs off from Gwen or gets banished. Both are better than the other alternative.
That night, Morgana gleefully reports that Gwen has asked to be relieved of her duties tomorrow by faking a fever.
The next day, Amelia and Morgana get on their horses and follow Anne, Merlin, and Gwen as they head to the picnic area. Amelia anxiously watches as Merlin, Anne and Gwen approach a distracted Arthur from behind while giggling.
Amelia chews her lip anxiously as Merlin dishes the two women before cupping his hands around his mouth. "Caw! Caw!"
Arthur drops the silver platter he was holding with a crash as he turns around. Gwen and Merlin walk to the stream that separates them from Arthur.
Amelia can't hear what they are saying from a distance but can see how Arthur stares at Gwen, speechless and how Anne leans toward Gwen, making a remark that causes Gwen to chuckle. Amelia feels saddened that she can't join in on the fun.
"Have fun." Merlin is then calling as he leaves. Gwen crosses the stream on stepping stones. Arthur takes her hand as she nears and helps her over.
Amelia feels Morgana glancing at her and turns with a smirk placed on her face and receives one from her sister. They turn and ride off.
—
Morgana and Amelia dine with Uther to fulfil the next part of their plan. Uther pours Morgana's drink at the dining table in the Council Chambers as she sits on his left. Amelia munches on her meal as she sits on his right.
"It's such a beautiful day, I was wondering if you might join us for a ride." Amelia suggests after sharing a knowing look with Morgana.
"I have council matters to attend to." Uther fondly reminds her as he takes a sip of his drink. Amelia's insides twist in disgust at his tone.
"It's just, we get to spend so little time with you these days." Morgana pushes. "Time together is... so precious to us."
Amelia can see Uther relenting. "You're right. We don't spend enough time together. The council can wait."
Amelia and Morgana beam at him before they all share a toast. Amelia feels her stomach continue to twist.
—
Amelia's stomach twisting worsens as she, Morgana and Uther leave the Castle walls on their horses.
"I'm glad you persuaded me to come. We must do this again." Uther tells them as they trot along.
"We'd like that very much." Amelia says with a false smile and through clenched teeth.
"Come on, I'll race you the two of you." Just after she says this, Morgana bolts off. Amelia frowns after her sister pettily. She forgets momentarily about why they are doing this and focuses on her sibling competitiveness and charges after with Uther joining in with the race, chuckling.
Amelia falters slightly when she realises they are getting closer. Morgana intentionally falls back to let Uther race ahead, flashing a smile over to Amelia, who quickly beams back though she doesn't feel it.
The three of them burst into the clearing with Uther taking the lead to see Arthur and Gwen breaking their kiss and sitting up startled from where they had been lounging on the blanket and cushions. Gwen gasps in shock.
"Arthur!" Uther exclaims.
Arthur gapes at his father while Gwen looks away in shame. Amelia winces in pity.
—
Arthur fights his father and declares he refuses to comply with his father's demand that he doesn't continue his relationship with Gwen so Uther promptly banishes Gwen. Amelia gets that not only has this happened, but she also helped cause it. Now she hopes that Morgana will leave it alone now.
Amelia stands with Merlin and Anne in Gwen's house as they watch said woman pack for the move.
"There is so much to do." Gwen says casually as she goes back and forth between her bag and the table and the cabinets. Amelia knows she's trying to hold her emotions in and they'll soon break. "I'll have to sell everything I can't take with me. And of course, I need to find a new maid for Morgana."
"Gwen." Merlin tries to interrupt but Gwen continues.
"Do you know anyone suitable?"
"Gwen, stop it." Anne impedes and this time Gwen stops. "Where will you go?"
Gwen slumps onto her bed and shakes her head, holding back tears. "I don't know. I've spent my whole life in Camelot, it's all I know. Everything I care about is here. I have nothing else."
Amelia feels destroyed by her words and sits by her on the bed, stroking her back. "We'll think of something." Gwen nods tearfully.
"We promise." Merlin adds.
Amelia notices Anne giving her a suspicious looking. Amelia internally winces, knowing she'll get a verbal lashing.
—
Amelia steps into Gaius' Chambers along with Merlin and Anne. Gaius isn't in.
"Did you have a hand in this?" Anne demands to know once they are inside. She had been quiet the entire journey between Gwen's house and here. Merlin's eyes flicker between Anne's suspicious look and Amelia's anxious one, probably confused.
"I, um, maybe… I—" Amelia stumbles. She knows she was and why but under pressure, is struggling to articulate it.
Realisation dawns on Merlin's face and turns accusingly onto Amelia. "How could you?! Gwen has lost her home and her job because of you!" He exclaims.
Amelia winces and looks at him tearfully. "Because the alternative is much worse!" She retorts.
Merlin goes to reply but as soon as he opens his mouth, Anne stops him. "What do you mean?" She asks calmly.
"You know that dream I had of Gwen being crowned Queen?" Amelia asks. Anne nods. "Well, Morgana had been having it too and we kept on having it to the point that Morgana contacted Morgause, who told us to destroy the relationship between Arthur and Gwen."
"I still don't understand why you helped." Merlin harshly retorts.
"I helped because I knew that not only will my sisters be suspicious of me but if Morgana didn't get Gwen banished, removed from Camelot, she'd get her killed." Amelia argues. "I thought at least with banishment she's still alive, her and Arthur will still be together as Morgana will no longer see her as a threat to her throne. I'm sorry…"
Anne sighs and walks over to rub Amelia's arm. "No, it's alright. We understand. Don't we, Merlin?" She pointedly nudges him.
Merlin is startled from where he had seemed to be lost in thought. "What? Uh, yes, yes, of course." He apologises. He rubs his forehead tiredly. "Sorry, I get why you didn't stop this. You can't stop Morgana when she has her mind on it."
"I hope she won't do anything else." Amelia
"She won't. She's got what she wanted." Merlin reassures.
"If you're sure…"
—
Morgana pulls Amelia into the Council Chambers that night. Amelia is immediately concerned to see Uther already there, pacing. Before Amelia can ask what is going on, Gaius walks in.
Amelia's panic grows when Gaius gets handed a poultice that has markings of the Old Religion covering it. She looks at Morgana with a questioning look on her face. Morgana simply smirks and shrugs.
"Is it magical?" Uther asks Gaius.
"I believe so." Gaius replies. "These are the symbols of the Old Religion."
"Could it be used to cast an enchantment?" Uther's line of questioning makes Amelia suspicious as if she wasn't already.
"That would be one use of such a poultice."
"This enchantment, could it cause someone to fall in love?" Amelia's eyes widen as it clicks in for her of why Morgana had pulled her here. Morgana is settling it up to look like Gwen has enchanted Arthur to fall in love with her.
"It is entirely possible."
"Where was this found, Sire?" Amelia can't help but ask.
Uther takes the poultice from Gaius. "It was discovered in Arthur's Chambers." He turns to the guard in the room. "Find Morgana's maid and bring her to me immediately."
Amelia glances at Gaius in alarm. She sees him look suspiciously at Morgana. Uther walks away and Amelia immediately turns on her sister.
"What's this?!" Amelia hisses. "Why didn't you tell me?! And I thought we'd solved the problem."
"I know, I'm sorry, sister. I panicked." Morgana replies quietly. "Arthur had told me how he was going to leave with her then return as King with Gwen as Queen! I couldn't risk it!"
Amelia now knows that now Morgana has planted this idea of sorcery into Uther's head, there's nothing she can do. She only hopes that once Gwen is inevitably thrown into the cells, they'll be able to prove her innocence or help her escape. Amelia wonders if maybe she should have done more to stop this whole thing.
—
The guards drop Gwen to her knees in front of Uther as he sits in his chair. Uther holds the poultice out in front of her.
"You recognise it?" He questions her.
Gwen looks at the poultice confused before replying, "I've never seen it before in my life."
"Really?" Uther questions disbelievingly. "I believe you planted it in Arthur's Chambers to enchant him." Uther hands the poultice back to a guard.
"That's not true."
"Why else would Arthur fall in love with someone like you?" Uther harshly retorts as he leans forward, closer to Gwen.
"I don't expect someone like you to understand that." Gwen counters. Uther slaps Gwen across the face with the back of his hand. Amelia and Morgana gasp in shock though Amelia's is more genuine.
"My Lord!" Morgana exclaims, stepping forward and playing the part of a concerned friend. "Gwen has always been a loyal and trusted servant!"
"I have no doubt she's feigned loyalty while using her position to get close to my son." Uther replies, standing and turning to his wards.
The doors open and Arthur storms in with Merlin and Anne following. "What is the meaning of this?!"
Uther takes the poultice again and meets his son in the middle. "This poultice was found under your pillow. Some kind of love charm. You are under its spell."
"Did know about this?!" Amelia hears Merlin ask. She sees him looking at her suspiciously.
Amelia shakes her head as much as she dares with Morgana by her side. "Trust me Merlin. I had no idea."
"That's ridiculous." Arthur retorts to the accusation.
"What would you know?" Uther demands doubtfully.
"Because I know how I feel. I'm not enchanted."
"So can you tell me how it came to be in your room?" Uther questions.
"I don't know, but I don't believe Guinevere put it there."
Uther looks at his son as if he doesn't know who his. "Until its spell is broken, I can't take anything you say as the truth." He says before turning and walking back over to where Gwen sits. "Her father consorted with sorcerers."
"My father was a good and innocent man and you executed him!" Gwen argues tearfully. Amelia winces when she thinks of that dark day.
"So, you would seek your revenge by enchanting my son?!" Uther yells as he bends down toward her with a finger pointing to Arthur.
"No!"
"My Lord, whatever this poultice is, I don't believe that Gwen is responsible for magic." Gaius intercedes.
"I don't care what you believe, Gaius." Uther persists, now standing straight. "Arthur is under her spell. It's the only rational explanation for his behaviour!" Amelia wants to slap him. Why can't Arthur like a serving girl? Why does Uther, just because he doesn't like the match, comes so easily to the conclusion it's magic?
"Father, you have to see reason. Guinevere has done nothing wrong." Arthur begs.
"She has been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. She will be burnt at the stake." Uther declares and begins walking away by going behind his chair. Amelia gapes in shock.
"No." Arthur moves toward Uther.
"Restrain him!" Uther orders.
Guards grab Arthur as he bolts forward. "You can't do this!"
"My Lord! At least give Gwen a fair trial!" Gaius cries.
"I have all the evidence I need." Uther retorts.
"I'm begging you! W-we will leave Camelot and never return! Just-just let us go!" Arthur begs as he struggles in the guards' hold. "I relinquish my entitlement to the throne!" Amelia sees Gwen gasp in surprise.
Uther looks at his son in disbelief and slowly walks back over to him. "My son would never do that. It is proof beyond doubt that you are enchanted." He places a hand on Arthur's shoulder. The caring gesture not matching the environment.
"I will never forgive you for this." Arthur declares.
"She will die. The enchantment will be broken. You'll see I was right." As he speaks, Uther's hand gravitates to Arthur's cheek and he nods as if agreeing with himself. "Take her away." Uther withdraws his hand from Arthur and leaves.
Arthur begins struggling again. "No! Guinevere!"
Gwen begins to panic as guards pick her up off the floor. "Arthur! No! Arthur, please...!" The guards drag Gwen backwards toward the door. Amelia watches with wide tearful eyes.
"No!" Arthur breaks away from the guards. He runs to Gwen and grabs her from the guards. Arthur kisses her until the other guards pull him away.
"I will always love you!" Arthur declares.
The guards continue to drag Gwen out backwards. Arthur struggles against the guards in vain. Morgana pulls Amelia out of her despair and pulls her out of the room, smirking.
—
The next day, they are already building the pyre. Amelia gets rid of her Morgana shaped shadow and goes to visit Gwen. She brings a platter to Gwen's cell. Gwen stands as Amelia enters.
"I thought you might be hungry." She says as she puts it down.
"I can't even think of eating." Gwen dismisses. Amelia doesn't blame her. "How is Arthur?"
Amelia swallows, thinking of the despondent Prince she had seen just before coming here. "He wants me to let you know that he will do everything he can to convince Uther that you're innocent." Gwen nods at her words and turns away tearfully. "He won't stop until you're released."
"You and I both know that Uther will not change his mind. When I am gone, will you take care of him for me, Amelia?"
"No," Amelia argues, "you can't give up hope. There is still time." Time for her to fix this mess she's helped create.
Gwen turns to look at her doubtfully. "To do what?"
"I don't know yet, but—" Gwen sighs and walks away but Amelia steps after her. "No, believe me, Gwen."
It is then that Gwen turns around and a dark look crosses her face.
"What is it?" Amelia asks.
"I know who planted that poultice." Gwen confesses.
Amelia's eyes widen. Does this mean Gwen knows? "Who is it?" What does Gwen know?
Gwen steps around Amelia to check to see if guards are near and then faces Amelia. "After I was sentenced to death, I was being led out. I looked back. I swear, Morgana was smiling. You must believe me, don't you? Gaius told me about you spying on Morgana when I saw her do magic."
Amelia panics at her words before realising that Gwen doesn't know about Amelia's own magic so she's safe for now.
"No, I..." Amelia begins to say but hears footsteps approaching. "...do believe sh..." A guard opens the cell door.
"I can no longer trust her." Gwen whispers urgently. "I've started to wonder if it wasn't a coincidence that you, Uther and Morgana found us in the woods."
Amelia leaves and the guard locks the cell.
—
"Morgana was the one that planted the poultice." Amelia informs Gaius, Merlin, and Anne in the Physician's Chambers. "Morgana told me herself and Gwen suspects as well." She looks accusingly at Merlin. "I told you Morgana was up to something!"
Merlin looks down shamefully. "I know…" He mumbles.
"Morgana? Uther'll never believe that Morgana's responsible." Gaius points out.
"Perhaps Arthur will talk him 'round." Anne argues unsurely though Amelia can see she doesn't even believe herself.
"Uther thinks Arthur's enchanted." Amelia argues. "He will only believe that anything that Arthur says or does is part of that. We need to think of something else to save Gwen."
"If we can't expose the true sorcerer," Merlin thinks aloud, "then we must invent one." His tone and the gleam in his eye makes Amelia nervous. What's his plan this time?
"What do you mean?" She asks.
A smile spreads across his face. "What if a sorcerer was caught planting an identical poultice in Arthur's Chambers? Uther would've no choice but to release Gwen." He runs up the steps to his room.
"And do you know of a sorcerer who's stupid enough to get caught doing such a thing?" Gaius demands to know.
Merlin spins around. "Me." Merlin pulls the magic book out from the floorboards under his bed and sits on it, flicking through the pages while the others watch him. "So, if I disguise myself, it won't matter if I'm caught. I can use magic to escape, and then just change back into myself. They'll think that the sorcerer has just vanished into thin air."
"But won't at least Arthur recognise you, no matter how you disguise yourself." Amelia questions.
"Not if I'm eighty years old." Merlin mimics an old croaky voice.
Anne looks at him in alarm. "An ageing spell?!"
"Merlin, ageing spells are notoriously difficult and unpredictable." Gaius warns him worriedly. "If the spell doesn't hold, you'll be exposed."
"If I don't do something, Gwen's going to die, and I'm not going to let that happen." Merlin persists. Amelia's shoulders slump when she realises this is their only option.
"What can we do?" Anne asks him.
"Can you make a poultice identical to the one found in Arthur's Chambers?"
"Well, I believe so." Gaius replies. "With Anne and Amelia's help."
"Okay."
—
They are finishing tying a poultice. Amelia hears footsteps coming down the steps from Merlin's room. Her jaw drops at the sight of Old Merlin exiting his Chamber. Old Merlin makes grunting noises.
"You three know me better than anyone. Do you recognise me?" Merlin asks.
Gaius stands and looks at him closely. "There's something of you in the eyes. But perhaps that's just because I know it's you."
Merlin turns to look at himself in a mirror. "I can't believe that one day I will actually look like this." He then looks at Anne. "Will you still love me like this?"
Anne smiles softly and kisses him on the cheek. "Of course."
Merlin then begins groaning and stretching. "Ah! I ache, all over."
"Ah. Well, now you know how I feel." Gaius remarks.
Amelia huffs in amusement before handing Merlin the poultice. "You'll be needing this."
—
Amelia, Gaius, and Anne had left Merlin to enact the plan and instead joins a council meeting in the Council Chambers along with Uther, Morgana, and other council members.
Uther is going over documents with council members when Arthur walks in. Amelia's eyes widen in alarm when she sees Old Merlin being dragged in by guards behind Arthur.
"Father." Arthur greets.
"Arthur." Uther takes in the old man behind his son. "Who is this?"
"He is the sorcerer." Arthur hands Uther the poultice Gaius, Anne and Amelia made. "I found him placing this under my pillow."
"Is this true?" Uther asks doubtfully.
"Yes." Merlin replies.
Amelia can see Morgana is confused and Amelia places a similar expression on her own face as she shares a look with her sister.
"What did you hope to achieve with this enchantment?"
"If Arthur were to fall in love with a lowly serving girl, it would bring shame on Camelot." Merlin 'explains'.
"Have I wronged you in some way, old man?" Uther asks. Amelia tries not to glare at the man. How delusional is this man that he doesn't understand why sorcerers, people he has hunted and persecuted, are rising against him?
This is Merlin's chance to really say what's on his mind. Amelia braces herself. "You have wronged so many people in so many ways. You're blinded by your hatred of magic. You have tortured and executed innocent people." His voice raises. "You, Uther Pendragon, are a stupid, arrogant old tyrant!"
The knights step forward in defence of their King and Arthur is the one that speaks. "You will hold your tongue!"
Merlin turns his anger and frustration into Arthur. "And you. Oh, I have heard how you... mistreat your servants! They do everything for you, but do they ever get any thanks? No! You're a spoiled arrogant brat with the brains of a donkey and the face," he hiccups and coughs, spitting in Arthur's face, "of a toad." Guards pull Merlin away from Arthur. Amelia tries not to laugh at his rant but in the process chokes on her own spit causing Morgana to turn to her in concern but Amelia quickly waves her off.
Uther closes his eyes in disbelief. "This serving girl. She is your accomplice?" He really is trying to get Gwen executed. Clinging to the hope he is right.
Merlin shakes his head. "I enchanted her too. The girl is entirely innocent."
"My Lord, he has confessed." Arthur declares eagerly. Amelia rolls her eyes. How is he saying anything helpful?
Uther sulks and picks up the poultice. "Release the girl. Tomorrow at dawn you will take your place on the pyre. Take him away."
Arthur and the guards escort Merlin to the Dungeons. Amelia, Anne, Morgana, and Gaius follow to watch them in the Phoenix Corridor.
"Do you know that man, Gaius?" Morgana questions.
"I've never seen him before." Gaius says innocently. "Is there something troubling you, Morgana? I would've thought you'd be relieved that the true culprit's been found."
Morgana snaps out of her confused state. "Of course I am." She hurriedly walks away, dragging Amelia with her.
Amelia glances over her shoulder at Anne and Gaius, sharing a worried look. It's great they've been able to free Gwen, but how are they going to help Merlin?
—
Morgana had been anxious and frantic about how 'their' plans are seemingly falling apart, but Amelia had been able to calm her by arguing that they can't risk acting now as it may blow their cover. It seems Morgana actually listens to her.
Merlin had been caught because he was unable to break the spell and so is stuck in his old man form. However, Gaius has a plan. There's a book of Gala where there is an antidote to undo it.
Amelia joins Anne and Gaius to brew the potion. The three of them stay up all night, trying to get it to the right colour. Eventually, with some unintentional naps, they finish the anti-ageing potion. They are heading towards the Dungeons when they see Old Merlin already being escorted to his execution by Arthur and some guards.
"Oh no, what do we do?" Anne frantically asks.
"We'll get it to him." Gaius reassures. "We just need to be in the Main Square."
"You do that," Amelia says, already walking away from them. "I need to get to the Balcony or I'll be missed.
—
Amelia quickly brushes her hair and slips on a different dress and rushes to join Uther and Morgana on the Balcony.
"Where have you been?!" Morgana harshly hisses. Amelia can see she's still a bit distressed over what is happening though if she knew that Merlin is the one about to be burnt, she'd probably be jumping for joy,
"Do not worry." Amelia reassures. "I'm here now." Just as she finishes, the drum roll begins. Amelia tenses and looks over the Balcony to see the crowd gathered around the pyre. Merlin emerges from the Castle, flanked by guards, and is escorted towards the pyre with Arthur leading.
They stop just before it and Uther begins speaking, "You have been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. In accordance with our law, you will be burned at the stake. Let this serve as a lesson to all those who seek to destroy Camelot."
Amelia sees Gaius and Anne weave through the crowd and Merlin glance towards them.
Suddenly, Merlin turns at lunges at Gaius and, hopefully, grabs the potion in the process. "A curse upon you all!" Merlin yells at Gaius. The guards quickly pull him away. Merlin looks up to the Balcony and continues yelling, "I will have my revenge!"
The guards shove Merlin towards the pyre while Arthur checks on Gaius and Anne. Then, without warning, though depending on who you ask, the pyre bursts into huge flames. Everyone pulls back and Merlin, now free, pushes through the crowd.
"After him!" Arthur yells.
Amelia goes back inside with Morgana and Uther, but in the commotion, slips away to try and find Merlin.
She follows Arthur and the guards into the Phoenix Corridor. Amelia sees Arthur turn the corner. She's about to lunge forward in panic but then hears Arthur speak.
"Merlin, where's the sorcerer?"
Amelia walks up to stand beside Arthur and finds young Merlin in an enclave with the red robe he had been wearing as an old man tucked behind his back. She sighs internally with relief.
"He w..." Merlin begins speaking with a gravelly voice then coughs and clears his throat. "Erm... he went that way." Merlin points to the wall behind him.
"Merlin, that's a wall…" Amelia murmurs amusedly.
"Oh…"
Arthur looks at his servant in disbelief and turns to the guards. "Sound the warning bell. Search the entire palace. I want him found." The guards leave to do just that and Arthur turns on his servant. "Are you telling me you let him run straight past you?"
"He was- he was- he was too fast for me." Merlin mumbles. He seems to be pulling and testing out his skin.
"He's a doddery old man." Arthur points out. "This is what happens when you spend all day in the Tavern."
What?
"What?" Merlin voices in confusion.
"Perhaps mucking out my horses will help sober you up," Arthur says condescendingly accompanied by a patronising pat on the cheek for Merlin.
Merlin looks at Amelia while he still twists his face, getting used to the new skin.
She shrugs. "I have no idea."
—
Amelia and Morgana enter the latter's Chambers to find Gwen gathering the dirty laundry.
Amelia slumps in relief at the sight of the maidservant, who turns around with a small smile.
"Gwen!" She runs over and gathers Gwen into a hug. Gwen chuckles and hugs her back.
"Amelia…" Amelia turns to see Morgana wearing a fake cheery smile.
"Oh, sorry." She steps aside and watches Morgana give Gwen a fake hug.
"I can't tell you how relieved I am that you've been pardoned." Morgana tells her former friend. Amelia can tell by Gwen's face that she knows it's insincere. They share a suspicious look.
Morgana pulls back. "I, we, begged Uther to release you, but he wouldn't listen to reason." Amelia purses her lips behind Morgana's back. Amelia had actually helped to free Gwen while Morgana did nothing. It hurts Amelia that this is the state that their former best friends' friendship has turned into.
"I'm sure you did all you could." Gwen says, going along with it for now. "I..." Gwen indicates the laundry basket. Morgana nods and lets her go. Gwen shares a genuine smile with Amelia as she exits.
Still confused, Morgana closes the dividing door and turns.
"What do we do now?" Morgana questions. "Our plans…"
"It's okay, sister." Amelia says reassuringly. "We've put a halt to their relationship for now. They won't dare do anything now Uther is watching."
"I hope you're right." Morgana says then smirks. "Besides all we have to do is get rid of Arthur then our worries are for naught."
Amelia shares false dark smirks with her sister. There's no way Amelia will ever let her sister succeed.