Hello, my Merlin fans, I am back! I hope you all had a wonderful Summer Break! Also, It's my birthday today!

I am sorry that I did not update. I have been very busy for the past couple of months. My Summer job, getting ready to teach again, studying for my exam, preparing my audition for the musical "Beauty and the Beast," and spending time with my family. Again, the next chapter will take some time because of life and my next update is my "Red Rose Nightmare" story. Please be patient with me.

Again, I want to thank my friend OtherCharacterNut for proofreading and giving me great ideas for this chapter. I could not do it without you!

Also, please check out my Twitter page, my YouTube channel, and my Polyvore page to see posters and what clothes Sam is wearing in each chapter. Anyways, do not forget to favorite, follow, review, and enjoy this chapter.

Also, I do not own anything except my OC Sam.

Sam's POV

I rubbed my hands under the cool, flowing water and sighed, "I can't wait to lay down on my bed and take a nap." It was a strangely hot day in the gardens with no shade to shield myself from the sun so I was sweating like I had just completed sword training. Only I was dealing with flowers and weeds and vegetables. It almost didn't make sense that I was so exhausted!

Not much else was happening for me in Camelot. Or Merlin. We just got to go about our business and live our lives. No dangers, no evil magic, no deadly creatures, and most importantly, nothing trying to kill Arthur...and consequently myself and Merlin. I would consider it refreshing if I wasn't so freaking hot!

"Hello Samantha!"

I looked up to see Gwen giving me a friendly smile, but there was still a glimmer of sadness in her eyes. Lancelot had left some time ago, but the memory of him lingered. I missed my friend, but Gwen...she missed him in another way entirely.

"Hey Gwen. Beautiful day, huh?"

She giggled and readjusted the vase of white flowers in her hands. "Yes, I suppose it is."

"I didn't see you in the gardens. Who are the flowers for?"

Gwen looked to the white petals and answered, "They're for Morgana, but I don't who gave them to her. I'm only delivering them. I'll see you later, Sam."

"See ya, Gwen."

I watched as she entered the castle to make her way to Morgana's chambers. Something didn't seem quite right. I began to scrub the dirt from underneath my fingernails as my thoughts remained on the flowers. They were beautiful, but I could remember seeing white lilies growing in the gardens. And Gwen didn't know who gave them to Morgana? I gasped as the flashes came to me. Flowers... beetles... magic... Edwin!

"Wait, Gwen! Come back!"

I ran after Gwen as fast as I could, but I kept tripping over my gardening dress. It was tearing at the ends thanks to all the sharp thorns and branches, so my feet kept stepping on the frayed ends. Needless to say, running up a full flight of stairs did not help. I turned down the hall and went for the door when I heard Gwen say, "Why? Who'd you like them to be from?"

I reached for the doorknob as I heard Morgana reply, "I don't know. Tall, dark stranger?"

I crashed through the thick, wooden door and caused both girls to jump. I tried to appear steady, but my legs were burning and trembling and I couldn't catch my breath. Suddenly, I bent over on my knees trying to calm my heart and get air in my lungs. It felt like my entire body was as red as the roses I trimmed earlier.

"Sam, what is the matter with you?" Morgana demanded, concern in her voice.

I took a deep breath and gasped out, "Let… me… check… the… flowers..." Morgana and Gwen stared at me in confusion. I took another breath and lifted myself up to look them in the eye. "What I mean to say is, with your permission Morgana, would it be all right if I could check the flowers?"

Morgana chuckled and asked, "Why would you need to check the flowers?"

I paused for a moment to think of a good excuse. It's not as if I could say, 'There is an evil wizard who placed a magic beetle in the flowers to crawl inside your ear to kill you.' So, I got as close as I could with one part of it. "Well, there have been a few bug infestations in the gardens. Beetles mainly, and I wanted to make sure you didn't have any."

After a few seconds, Morgana nodded. I slowly walked over to the vase and placed my hand on the tip of each petal. I looked inside of them to see… nothing. There was no beetle. Wait, this makes no sense. Isn't this the beginning of the episode, 'A Remedy to Cure All Ills'? I shook my head and wiped the sweat off my forehead. Maybe it's not the episode. Maybe the heat was getting to me. I forced myself to smile as I turned to the girls.

"False alarm. No bugs or beetles in these beauties." I laughed as I slowly walked backwards to the door. Morgana slightly smirked at my embarrassment, but Gwen was clearly worried at my outburst. "Well… lovely to see you again Gwen and my Lady. I will just be leaving before I embarrass myself even more."

I shook my head as I exited the room. As Gwen and Morgana lightheartedly laughed at my foolishness, I feared that I might have missed the one flower where the beetle was truly hiding.

Turned out I was right. I had missed that beetle. It had been two days since Morgana could not 'wake up.' Stupid Edwin. Stupid beetle. No, stupid me for not following my gut and finding the beetle. Gwen, Merlin, and I were waiting to hear if there was any news. We looked up to see Gaius descend down the curved staircase.

Gwen rushed over to him and asked frantically, "Is she any better?"

Gaius sighed and sadly shook his head. Gwen stopped herself from crying as she climbed up the stairs.

I looked to my Uncle and said, "Morgana will get better."

"She's all but dead, Samantha."

Merlin shook his head and disagreed, "No, you're going to cure her. You have to."

Gaius nearly rolled his eyes at my brother. There were enough people demanding such an impossible request from him. "Don't you start, Merlin. I've tried everything."

"Well what if Sam and I could… help."

Gaius glared at my brother as he hissed under his breath, "If you're suggesting magic...have you forgotten what happened with Gwen's father? This is not a magical illness, it must be cured by conventional means. We keep trying. See if you can find me some fresh rosemary."

"But Gaius, can't we just-"

Without letting me finish, he interrupted by saying, "And yarrow."

I glared at Gaius before I stomped away. Sure, I was irritated by him shutting Merlin and I down, but I was mostly angry with myself. I could have saved Morgana and prevented this from happening. I was so lost in my regret, that I wasn't looking where I was going and bumped into someone.

When I fell, and landed on my backside, I cursed, "Ouch! Son of a-"

"I wouldn't finish that if I were you."

I glanced up to see it was Arthur. His face was pale and there were dark circles under his eyes. I knew he mustn't have slept over his worry for Morgana.

I pushed myself up and asked softly, "Hey, are you all right?" Arthur didn't answer me, just avoided my gaze. Without thinking, I placed my hand on his shoulder to comfort him. "Everything will be all right. Gaius will cure Morgana."

"I know, but it doesn't make me feel any better. She's like a sister to me, Sam," he replied.

She's more like your sister than you think, I thought to myself. I surprised both of us when I wrapped my arms around his drooping shoulders. I felt his arms slowly wrapped around my slim waist. We stayed like this for a few seconds until we heard someone walking toward us. We immediately released each other and without a second thought, I walked away to collect the rosemary and yarrow. Although, I could've sworn I felt Arthur's eyes watch me as I left him in the corridor.

Another day had passed and Morgana was still not waking up. Gaius feared she had no more than a day before she died. After I received more rosemary and the yarrow for Gaius, I stopped by the court chambers to see him, Uther, and Arthur talking to someone. I slowly walked into the room and stood next to Merlin as my eyes landed on the stranger. I had to hold back my gasp when I saw his face. Half of it was scarred by horrible burns. There was only one character who looked like this: Edwin, the villain in this episode. His blue eyes slightly shifted and caught mine. I instantly stared at the floor, pretending the pebble I stepped on was more interesting.

"Sam, is everything all right?" Merlin thought to me.

Before I could answer back, my thoughts were interrupted when Uther said, "Do you really believe you have a remedy?"

Edwin's eyes lingered for a moment before he turned his head back to the king. "There are not many ills that I have not seen and successfully treated, Sire. So, when I heard of the Lady Morgana's sickness, I felt honor bound to offer my services."

Gaius looked at Edwin skeptically and asked, "You say you have a cure for all? An antidote for everything?"

Edwin smirked at my uncle. "Yes. Although it is not quite as simple as that."

Before Gaius could reply, Uther said firmly, "Gaius is the court physician."

Edwin's eyes widened with disbelief before he bowed his head at Gaius. "You are indeed a legend, sir. I am delighted to meet you. I am curious to know what it is that has affected her."

Gaius firmly looked at Ewin and replied, "An infection of the brain."

"And your treatment?"

"Yarrow. Rosemary to stimulate cerebral circulation."

Edwin's eyebrows raised up and he smiled, mumbling, "Interesting."

Arthur noticed Edwin's expression and took a step forward. "Why? What would you suggest?"

Edwin shook his head and humbly stated to the prince, "No, no, no, that is all fine. All good. If that is..." He looked right at my uncle and said accusingly, "the right diagnosis."

Uther looked up from the parchment and asked, "What would your diagnosis be?"

Edwin rubbed his chin as he thought out loud, "Well, without examining the patient..."

Arthur immediately jumped in and stated, "He should examine her."

'No, he should not examine her,' I thought.

Edwin slightly smiled and said, "I would need my equipment."

'No, you do not need equipment,' I thought. 'But he does need to use his magic to get the beetle out of Morgana or she won't get better. Ugh! Why can't I be able to save Morgana?'

Uther nodded his head and said, "Of course. You'll have use of one of the guest chambers."

I sighed as I looked at Merlin. This was going to be a hard episode… emotionally mostly.

"And consider Gaius' niece at your disposal." My head snapped at the person who 'volunteered' me to assist the creep. Spoiled, no-good prince say what!? He was supposed to say Merlin was to assist Edwin, not me. I looked at Merlin to see he was equally surprised. He knew I had a bad feeling about Edwin. "I talked to the gardener to excuse her for her duties until Morgana is better."

My heart started pounding as Edwin's cold blue eyes landed on me. I felt my blood run still in my veins as he said, "I will start work immediately." It was like his voice was trailing down my spine.

I glanced at my brother before I reluctantly followed Edwin. It was bad enough that he was the villain of the episode, but here I am forced to work for him? I swear, I was going to kill Arthur. As we turned down the hall, I dreaded what came next: being alone with Edwin alone. We entered his guest chambers and I immediately placed down one of his equipment on the table so I could leave sooner. I noticed all of his scientific supplies he had and, while I'm not big into science, I recognized there were test tubes, a dropper, a crucible, tongs, a funnel, flask, and more. My eyes snapped up at Edwin to see he was staring at me. I instantly looked down as I placed his books on the table.

As I walked around him to grab another crate of equipment, I suddenly felt Edwin lean in closer to me and for a moment I could've sworn he took in a deep breath as though he were...smelling my hair! My whole body shook when I heard him sigh. Forcing my feet to walk faster, I put the crate down at the other end of the table. If he didn't let me go soon, I'd leave and damn the consequences.

Suddenly my entire body became rigid when I saw Edwin walk closer to me from the corner of my eye.

"Will that be all sir?" I asked, inching away.

Edwin smirked as he replied, "You don't need to be frighten of me. I won't hurt you." I mentally scoffed as I continued to help him organize his stuff. I picked up the flask when he said, "Yes...it was all originally designed for alchemy."

"You mean like making gold?" I asked as I handed him the bottle.

Edwin smiled at me and inquired, "You have an interest in science?"

I stared at him and slightly gasped to see his scared face was a little too close to comfort. I snapped my eyes away from him. I could hear him chuckling at my discomfort. Like he wasn't creepy enough! Why am I even still here? "Well my brother is more interested than I am, but like he and Gaius always say, science is knowledge."

"It has the answers to everything."

"Well, not everything. It can't explain love." My eyes widened when I realized what I had just said. Before Edwin could ask any prying questions, I immediately said, "You know, like all feelings and emotions. Not just love for family and friends and stuff."

Edwin smiled as he slowly walked up to me and I forced myself not to step backwards. I would not show him fear. He stood right in front of me, staring into my eyes and whispered, "You seem too bright to be just a servant. Especially a beautiful young girl like yourself."

Just before he could raise a hand to caress my pale cheek, I uncomfortable giggled and stepped away, back to the table. "Trust me, I'm not that bright."

I picked up a small wooden box...and froze when I touched it. I swore I heard and felt something move inside. I closed my eyes and it was like the beetles were crawling over my skin. This was how he both sickened and cured Morgana! Before I could open it for proof, Edwin grabbed it out of my hands.

"Yes, we will need that." I slightly narrowed my eyes when he placed the box on top of two more out of reach. "Now, we must hurry to the Lady Morgana. Before it is too late."

I nodded my head before I grabbed all three boxes. As I passed Edwin to leave the room, I swear I felt him staring at my backside. I so cannot wait for this episode to be over.

After a dreaded walk across the Square to Morgana's Chambers, I was relieved when I entered the room to see Arthur, Gaius, Merlin and Uther were waiting for us.

Edwin looked at me and commanded as he pointed to the table, "Put my equipment over there."

I nodded my head before I placed the boxes on the table. I looked at my brother who was standing next to Gaius.

"Are you all right Sam? He did not cause you any trouble, did he?" Merlin thought to me.

"No, but he did creep me out." I could feel Merlin was about to glare at Edwin, so I immediately thought to him, "How is Morgana doing?"

Merlin sighed and shook his head. Morgana was getting sicker and the beetle is still inside of her. Edwin better remove that stupid beetle from Morgana's ear really soon. My thoughts and anger was interrupted when Edwin turned to the king and said, "Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy." He looked right at me and said, "If I need your assistance Samantha, I need you come immediately."

Uther nodded his head eagerly and replied, "Certainly."

Uther and Arthur left the room to give Edwin some space. I grabbed Merlin's hand eager to leave the room, when I heard Edwin say, "That includes you, Gaius."

I looked back to see Gaius stayed where he was, staring hard at Edwin.

"But I am eager to learn from your methods," insisted my Uncle.

Edwin slightly glared at him and answered, "Now is not the time for giving instruction. I will need all my concentration."

Seeing Gaius was not following, Uther returned as he called for my Uncle to follow him. Gaius sighed before walking out of the room. Before I exited out of the door, I looked back to see Edwin was staring at us… mostly at me.

I swear, I am in the worst moods I've been in so far. It has been an hour since Edwin 'is being a doctor' for Morgana. Uther and Gaius were silently chatting to pass the time. Arthur was looking out of the window to stare at the Square to see the peasants' busy lives. Merlin stayed close to me, knowing that I am still freaking out about Edwin. I looked to my left to see Arthur was no longer staring at the window… but was staring at me. I raised my eyebrow and was curious. Arthur immediately turned back to the window, acting all casual, like he wasn't looking at me at all.

My head snapped when I saw Edwin descended from the curved staircase. He was smiling, like he knew a secret.

"Great news, Your Majesty. You will be glad to hear it is not an inflammation of the brain," he said to Uther.

Uther moved closer and asked eagerly, "What is it then?"

"It is cerebral hemorrhage."

My head snapped up at the mention of the illness. I recognized the name cerebral hemorrhage. My Dad's best friend is a doctor and told me some issues of the brain, including cerebral hemorrhage. Cerebral hemorrhage is bleeding from the brain tissue or ventricles.

Gaius was flabbergasted as he said with disbelief, "Hemorrhage? I don't think so."

Edwin smirked at my uncle as he replied, "I found this trace of blood in her ear."

I looked closely at the cloth to indeed see there was blood. It must have been from the beetle when it crawled out of her ear. My whole body shivered with fear and disgust, just thinking about that insect inside of my friend.

Uther was in shock as he stared at the bloody cloth. "God in heaven."

"The severity depends upon the site and volume of the bleed. If not treated, it can lead to coma, and eventually death," said Edwin as his eyes slowly looked at my uncle.

Gaius looked stunned as everyone, including the King's eyes landed on him. Uther was appalled that Gaius made a critical mistake.

"How could you have missed this?" Uther demanded Gaius for an explanation.

Gaius stood his ground as he defended himself, "I didn't see any blood."

"Merlin, Gaius is right. There was no blood found. Gaius would have told us and does it seem suspicious that Edwin just recently found the blood?" I thought to him, hoping he will take the hint I am giving to him about Edwin.

"Maybe he missed it," Merlin thought back. I rolled my eyes and sighed. For someone who is supposed to save the future King of Camelot, he can be so thick headed sometimes.

Edwin scoffed at Gaius and said, "Please. Just thank the fates that you did not administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that might have done?"

Uther looked back at Gaius for an explanation. Gaius heaved a sigh as he stared down at his feet. "It may have increased the bleed."

I closed my eyes, realizing Gaius is sinking lower while Edwin is rising like a hero. Uther turned back to Edwin and asked eagerly, "Is there a cure?"

Edwin smiled as he raised his hand to the stairs. "See for yourself."

Without even a second thought, Uther rushed upstairs with everyone else at his heel. When Uther opened the doors to Morgana's Chambers, to our disbelief Morgana was awake and sitting up in bed. She was no longer pale and her eyes was filled with life. She looked like her normal self.

Uther swiftly over to her bed and kissed her forehead. He was filled with joy that his ward is alive. "Morgana, this is truly a miracle. I thought... I really thought..."

Morgana smiled playfully as she answered back. "Oh, you won't get rid of me that easily."

Gaius was astonished as he asked her, "What exactly did he give you?"

Morgana looked at Edwin and said, "I have no idea. But thank heaven he did." My eyes started to water up. I felt a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. Without even thinking, I rushed over to Morgana and gave her a huge hug. Merlin and Arthur's eyes widen when they saw my bold move. Uther looked shocked but silently smiled at my reaction. He knew I was a servant, but I was also a friend to Morgana. Morgana jumped with surprise but laughed as she hugged me back. "Don't tell me you were worried about me Sam?"

I scoffed as I released her. I have the urge to playfully slap her arm like my friends and I do, but I remembered that this is not the 21st century. I could be in so much trouble or sent to the stocks for 'hurting' or 'attacking' Uther's ward.

I sat down at the bed and said, "You nearly gave us a heart attack for the past couple of weeks. Of course, I would be worried sick about you Morgana. You are one of my best friends." Morgana started to cry and my smile dropped. "Oh Morgana, I didn't mean to make you cry! Whatever I said, I-" I immediately shut up when Morgana grabbed me for another hug. "Ok… You're happy crying… and hugging me… Why are you happy crying and hugging me?"

Morgana laughed as she said meekly, "I am crying because I think you are one of my best friends too Sam. I am so sorry I worried you so much."

I smiled as I hugged and comfort my friend who continued to cry on my wet shoulder. We did not even notice that we continued to have an audience or that Gaius and Edwin slipped away.

After making sure Morgana was truly all right, and helping Merlin carry Arthur's armor to be polish, even though we made sure Arthur would not caught me doing Merlin's job, I headed back to Edwin's chambers to deliver some paperwork for him. I shivered with fear as I walked closer to the door.

'You can do this Sam. Just knock on the door, hand him the papers, and run away,' I thought to myself. I still do not like the idea of being alone with him. Edwin still gives me the creeps. I took a deep breath before I softly knocked on the door.

"Edwin, I have the paperwork you requested," I said out loud. I knocked on the door again when he did not answer. "He's not here. Oh well, such a shame."

I sighed with relief as I turned around to walk away. However, my luck failed me when I heard the door opened. I looked behind me to see it was wide opened. I knew I could have walked away, but of course my curiosity got the best of me. I slowly entered the room and placed the paperwork on the table. I was so happy he was not in the room. Must be exploring the castle.

I was about to bolt out of the room, when I heard a soft hissing sound. I gazed down at the table to see the small wooden box. I hesitantly reached over to pick up the box. I opened the box to see the very still beetles. I shivered with fear as the disgusting insects. I closed the lid. Before I placed it back, I saw strange words on the inscription on the cover.

Without thinking through, I read the inscription out loud softly, "Bebeode þe arisan ealdu." I heard the hissing noise again. I opened the lid to see the bugs were alive and moving. I screamed and dropped the box on the table. "Holy smokes!"

"Very good Samantha."

I gasped as I turned around, accidently knocking over a jar with powder. Standing by the door was Edwin. My whole body shook as my face turned white as snow. He caught me. He saw I was using my magic! I wanted to slap myself, remember this is what happened to Merlin in the show. I sidestepped away from him as he walked to the table. He picked up the box of the bugs.

I watched him closely as he opened the lid. The beetles were still alive and moving. He waved his hand as said softly, "Swefn." My eyes widened as the bugs suddenly went still like statues. Edwin looked right into my eyes and stated, "You have magic."

I immediately started to panic and I protested, "It wasn't me, I swear! I didn't do anything!"

"Then how else did you bring them to life? Only magic can do such a thing. These little angels are how I cured Lady Morgana. They repaired the damage to her brain. They saved her life."

'No, you tried to kill her and took all the credit to save her,' I wanted to scream out loud. I held my tongue so I would not accuse him. He closed the box and walked away from the table.

"Magic can be a force for good," he said.

I said to him softly, "I know. Not all magic is evil."

"Then why do you fear it?"

I looked away from his piercing eyes as I replied, "Uther has banned it, it's not permitted in Camelot."

"Should I have let Morgana die?"

My mouth dropped wide open from the shock. No way in hell is my friend going to die. "What? No, of course not!"

The chill ran though my spine was Edwin walked slowly to me and whispered in my ear, "People like us, we have a gift. Do you not think it should be used to make this a better world?"

I cleared my throat as I said, "Maybe… I guess."

I remembered the powder I accidently spilled. I guess I was getting use to cleaning that I started to clear up the spilled powder.

Just when I was about to pour the powder into my hand, Edwin said in a clear voice, "Don't waste your time picking that up." I slowly moved away from the pile of powder. Edwin stared at the powder and said with a powerful tone, "Feormian dærst rénian." My eyes widened with disbelief as the powder floated into the air and was placed back into the jar. I hate to admit it, but Edwin is amazing with magic. "Why waste a talent like that? And I can teach you."

My heart dropped when he said he could teach me. No, I will not be tempted. However, I looked at the jar and I took the temptation. I wanted to show how powerful I am with magic.

"Rǽdan ásce géatan."

I smirked as I used my magic to pick up the jar and poured the powder into bowl.

"What do you use this for?" he asked me.

I immediately looked up and replied, "Gaius doesn't like me to. It is too risky."

I stood my ground as he walked over closer to me. "A gift like yours should be nurtured, practiced, enjoyed. You need someone to help you, to encourage you."

I narrowed my eyes at the last statement. I could not stop myself this time as I said, "I do have someone with that."

Edwin raised his eyebrows at my reply. He smirks as he asked softly, "And who might be your great teacher?"

"My Uncle Gaius. I trust him to help me with my powers."

Edwin scoffed as stared into my eyes. I felt like my soul was being sucked away as he held my gaze. He said to me softly, like he was hypnotizing me, "Gaius is not letting you train properly Samantha. I am not afraid to use my powers. Imagine what we could achieve, if we shared our knowledge."

I stared at him, unable to move. I snapped out of the trace when my knee touched the table's leg. I must get out of here. I cannot be in the same room with him right now.

I grabbed the paperwork from the table and handed it to him. "Look, I will think about it. I should be getting back. I promised Merlin I would help him with tonight's dinner."

"Of course." I was grateful to have permission to finally leave the room. Before I could walk out of the door, I gasped when Edwin grabbed my arm. I felt my body grow cold as he creased my arm with his thumb. I knew he was trying to 'comfort me.' I looked back to him when he said, "But you must promise to keep our secret safe. People like you and I, we must look after each other."

I slowly nodded my head before he released my arm. I walked out of the room without looking back. My head was spinning with what just happened. Now I am worried that Edwin will try to use me because of my magic. One thing I know for sure, this is the worst episode to be in so far.

And there you have it, another chapter done. Again, the next chapter will take some time so please have patience with me. The next update will be my "Red Rose Nightmare" story and then I will be back with "My Magical Wish." Do not forget to favorite, follow, review, and until then…

Grapejuice101