Merlin sat at the desk in his royal chambers re-reading the agreement. The Mercian party was scheduled to arrive at any moment and he had just finished reviewing for the final time the last page of the redrafted document. When Uther had shared the agreement with his sons three days prior Merlin had been appalled at the inaccuracies scattered across the document and had blandly stated that if it were presented in its current condition Camelot would face utter humiliation before the courts of Mercia.
"Enter" Merlin called at a knock on the door, it opened to reveal Arthur dressed in breaches, a brown silk shirt, and deep red high collared jacket. It was discussed previously, in order to conduct smooth negotiations and encourage better relations with Bayard and his kingdom Camelot needed to appear as non-threatening as possible. Bayard might be intimidated enough by their knowledge of his kingdom especially regarding the outlying villages and trade, displayed within the pages of the treaty. He did leave some inaccuracies though, in less important or mundane areas where he knew negotiations would not bring any loss or gain to either party, however, would be important enough for the Mercian King to experience some ease at their presence.
"You need to get dressed. Bayard and his party will be arriving before sunset, they were spotted by our lookouts".
Merlin promptly got off his chair, took the papers he was reading and handed them to his brother. "I've checked all of it, father and you need to go over it one last time so that you both are aware of all contents, I will meet you at the entryway in time to welcome our guests".
Arthur nodded "alright hurry". Merlin grabbed the red tunic, designed much like the one he wore to the last feast, his manservant William left on his bed, he never required any assistance getting dressed a habit that served him well now and garnered a bit more respect in Will's eyes, the boy had an inherent dislike for nobles and was unafraid to express the sentiment to their faces. It's one of the many things Merlin liked about Will.
He took off his white shirt, he could feel the material tickle him as it slipped over the sensitive, marred skin of his back, a souvenir from his stay at Armata. No time for old wounds now, he through as he quickly dressed and made his way to the courtyard checking on last-minute preparations with the guest's servant attendants as he moved. He reached his father's left side just as Bayard and his men reached the drawbridge. "Well done on the agreement, next time, however, try not to cut it so close". Uther chastised without turning to him, there was no heat behind his words, he was proud of Merlin and what he had accomplished with the treaty. "Yes, Father" he replied with a slight smile just as the Mercian's entered the courtyard.
Merlin sensed it immediately, magic, strong magic. He scanned the group in the courtyard he could feel it, there was a sorcerer among the Mercian court, a powerful one at that. Where are you? Merlin stretched his power but someone was distorting it. He couldn't do more at the moment as he was forced to turn his attention to Bayard in greeting. Nimueh was surprised, she could have never guessed he would be this powerful, he sensed her and she immediately put up a barrier to hide behind.
Ever since he single-handedly destroyed the Afanc she knew the young prince would be powerful enough to thwart any of her further attempts towards Camelot's destruction. Who would have suspected Uther's own son, a sorcerer! She just didn't expect him to be this strong, no matter; once he was out of her way she would be free to bring about Uther's downfall. Pity... He would have made a mighty ally if he weren't so dedicated to the Pendragons, a traitor to his own kind! She just had to hide better until she was able to deploy her plans which meant no magic, she was prepared.
Later, when the rest of the castle was occupied with the guests, she made her way across the halls of the castle to Bayard's room. There was a lack of guards as all relevant castle occupants were in the dining hall for the welcome feast. Nimueh carefully closed the door to the room and made her way to the table at its center, she opened the wooden box that rested upon it. Contained within were three goblets, a gift Bayard was to present to Uther and his sons at the conclusion of the negotiations. She took the one with a quill emblazoned on its surface. Arthur's bore a sword and Uther's a crown, Bayard himself was just as determined that these talks go well. She replaced it with her own replica, after tomorrow my dear prince you shall never stand in my way again.
The negotiations were concluded as smoothly as one could hope. Bayard was impressed at the knowledge of Mercian tradition and culture that underlay some of the points in the agreement and as expected a little intimidated at the contents, especially those referring to Mercia's new trade options. They debated a bit more on these and also the related movement of people between both kingdoms, at the conclusion both parties were able to reach mutual consensus and Arthur shared a secret smile with his brother.
Bayard was giving a speech to commemorate the event during which he presented three goblets to the three royals and continued on with a toast. During the course of the entire visit of the Mercian delegation, Merlin's magic on constant alert; his attention split between his courtly duties and scanning for magical threats from the sorcerer he sensed earlier. At this moment however attention was brought back to the present with Bayard's voice "so let's raise our goblets to King Uther, Prince Arthur, Prince Merlin" he bowed to all three, sat at the high table, before they could take a sip of their drinks, however, he continued "and to the Lady Morgana". Morgana raised her goblet and bowed her head in acknowledgment of the honorable inclusion.
Merlin drank from his goblet and moments after the liquid touched his throat he realized his mistake, he was so busy watching after his father and brother that it never occurred to him that someone would attempt to harm him! He let out a choked cough as he felt the magic inlay poison make its way through his body, the goblet slipping from his grasp and he stumbled. Falling back into his chair his eyes found what they were looking for, a beautiful, young Mercian servant girl smirking at him as he collapsed. He heard his father call for Bayard's arrest and cursed internally for not being able to anticipate this. He wanted to raise his hand to point but he could feel his body shutting down. The last things he heard and felt before losing consciousness were Arthur's voice calling his name and Morgana's hands on his arm and chest.
Arthur was shocked at what was happening, he was used to threats against his life but this was the first time someone had attempted to hurt Merlin directly. He was forced to move back from where he was kneeling near his brother as Gaius came forward to examine him. "We need to get him to his rooms I will better able to treat him there, also pick up the goblet I will need it to identify the poison". Arthur attempted to lift Merlin but it seems his brother put on a bit more weight during his time away from Camelot luckily Merlin's manservant Will came to his aid. Between the two of them, they managed to half carry - half drag the prince's unconscious form towards his rooms and bed, Morgana carrying Merlin's chalice following with Gwen right behind her.
"Take off his tunic, he's struggling to breath". He instructed Will and Arthur as they went to lay the young man on to the bed. "Gwen, could you please fetch some fresh water" the girl promptly left to do as she was told.
"Gaius"! Will's shocked voice suddenly pierced the room drawing the attention of all its occupants to the bed...