Arthur, Gaius, and Merlin were all in the private chambers with Gwen. As usual, Merlin stood behind Arthur and not so usual, Gwen had Gaius standing behind her. The three men were tense, but Gwen didn't really seem aware. Indeed, she was just chattering away while Merlin waited for the signal, which came soon enough. It was a slight clear of the throat from Arthur.
"Yes, sire," said Merlin a slightly stiff tone that made the warlock inwardly cringe.
"I'd like to propose a toast. Some wine for the Queen and myself if you will," Arthur said.
"Of course my lord," Merlin replied.
This made Gwen snort. "Arthur, I think Merlin's trying to butter you up to get a day off," she quipped with a smirk.
"No, no. I am just being polite," the warlock muttered with a slight stutter.
"Very well, Merlin. You know you do not have to be that polite around me. We have been friends for such a long time. Do not think you have to be so formal just because I am the Queen now. Do you understand?" said Guinevere in a syrupy tone.
Merlin nodded. "Yes, I understand," said Merlin as he poured the goblets of wine. In the one for the Queen, he dripped three drops of the sleeping tonic. Swirling the chalice, he carried both over to them.
Arthur and Gwen picked up their goblets. They raised them in the air. The two of them stared at each other.
"What shall we toast," asked Gwen.
"The Queen," suggested Merlin.
Arthur frowned and nodded. "To the Queen," exclaimed the King as he clanked Gwen's goblet. Then Arthur and Gwen drank.
Arthur and Gwen sat their cups down at the same time. They then stared at each other just as Merlin and Gaius stared at Gwen. For a while the Queen smiled, but then the smile turned into a confused look which in turn became a frown.
"Why do you…" she began. However, before she could finish her eyes rolled back in her head.
"Merlin!" Arthur snapped as Gwen lurched forward.
The warlock slid a plate of bread towards Gwen. Just as the Queen's head was about to hit the table, the bread cushioned the impact. Pleased with himself and his aim, Merlin could not help but smile. It didn't even fade when he saw the disapproving look on Arthur's face. Maybe bread wasn't the best choice, but it was all he had close by.
"Let's go before she wakes," Arthur said, picking up his wife. "We should be able to get many miles away before needing a rest."
"Remember, to administer the tincture every four to five hours, but do not use it more than 6 times in a 24 hour period," instructed Gaius as he handed the bottle of medicine to Merlin.
The warlock nodded. "Got it," Merlin proclaimed, closing his hand around the bottle and running to his chambers. He gathered his bag, extra food, and was trying to decide on a dress. Merlin was half-wearing the frock when Gaius came in.
"Does this make me look fat," Merlin asked, to which he got the eyebrow. Deciding that was a 'no', the warlock shoved his bag as well and closed it up.
"Be careful, Merlin. The spell you will have to do is hard. It will be a feat that you can do both the aging spell and the exorcising incantation at once," Gaius said, hugging Merlin. "Good luck."
Merlin nodded as he separated from the hug. "Thank you. I will… be careful," the warlock promised.
"I shall have your favorite meal waiting," Gaius promised with a quirk of the lips.
Merlin chuckled and shouldered his bag. "I'll hold you to that," the warlock said. With a slight nod to his mentor, Merlin left.