Chapter 2 [A Few Hours Later]

[Morgana's Chamber]

Morgana glared at the window. She'd foregone sleep for bigger game. Preparations had burned away the remaining overnight hours. She'd cast several spells. She shook a small vial with a rose-colored solution in it. Then she slid it in her pocket. Her eyes then focused on a certain wooden cup.

A chipped wooden cup borrowed from Merlin's bedroom….

Pleasure and Satisfaction gleamed in her eyes. She'd slipped into the Physician's Chamber on the previous day. With relative ease, she'd taken Merlin's precious keepsake. I'll involve them both. Their bonds will strengthen the enchantment. Let see dear Gwen and Merlin deal with this! The smirk widened across her face. She sauntered over to the wicker laundry basket. "Glac cridheachan!"

A blue light washed over yellow powder and the dark hair cuttings in the cup. Then, as the light faded, the powder changed to a seemingly pristine white.

Gwen will suspect. She poured the powder over the waiting laundry. Then she stepped back. Let her. She can do her job! She obscured the cup for its later return. She sat at her desk and waited.

[A Sixth Turn of the Hourglass Later]

Gwen crept up the granite stairs toward her mistress' chamber. Uncertainty slowed her steps. She noted the lack of courtier traffic in the royal apartments. Where is everyone? Surely it isn't *that* early! She noticed Morgana's door being ajar. She almost tip toed toward the door. Her knuckles rapped at the door. "Milady?" She stuck her head in to look around.

Morgana rose from the chair. Her hands smoothed her gown. "Gwen! I did not hear you knock. Are you well this morning?"

"Aye." Gwen puzzled over the response. She stiffened. Fear chilled her spine. She bit her lip. Ever since she'd discovered Morgana had magic, she'd chosen her words with great care. "The sun is shining. It is rather odd. The other servants and courtiers are nowhere to be found, Milady. Is there something I did not hear about?"

Morgana shook her head. "Nay. I do not think so. Perhaps you can wash my linens for me? I stripped my bed and put them in the basket for you."

"I could have done that! Milady, I am sorry." Embarrassment flushed Gwen's face. She rushed over to the basket.

"It's hardly any trouble, Gwen. I couldn't sleep. It gave me something to do." Morgana put on her best smile. Deceit warmed her face. "I think those sheets are soiled."

"I just changed them yesterday. I knew I should have checked them closer. I…." Gwen sifted through the linens. Her eyes caught nary a spot on them. "Milady? They're…" Her eyes blurred.

"Gwen?" Morgana grabbed onto her. She anticipated the powder's immediate effect.

Gwen slumped against the four post bed. The mattress supported her head as she slid into a sitting position on the floor. She drifted off into a deep sleep.

Morgana smirked. "Let's make sure we are not disturbed. I will deal with you later." She dragged Gwen toward the closet. With little effort, she secreted her maid inside and shut the door. She waved her hands. "Dorsan a 'glasadh!"

The wardrobe shimmered and wedged shut.

Morgana coughed. "Now to deal with the others!" She patted her pocket with the wooden cup in it.

Dastardly plans were afoot….