A date with Gwen

It had been almost three weeks since Merlin and Arthur had discovered that they were twins. During these last two weeks Merlin's wounds had been healing little by little. Gaius still included Merlin in his morning rounds, making sure everything was healing well (he was the prince after all), although he had not yet allowed Merlin to perform all of his servants duties, he had already let him get back to work doing only simple things, after all his arm still hadn't completely healed.

The master and servant routine for everyone else continued as usual... With Arthur shouting orders, and Merlin following Arthur everywhere, although since his right arm was still in a sling, it wasn't much what Merlin really did. Despite this, they both do their best to keep Merlin's reputation as best as possible, avoiding situations where Merlin would look like a complete idiot in front of Uther or other nobles

However, the routine between them behind closed doors had changed a lot. Arthur was kinder to Merlin, and Merlin devoted himself to tidying up and doing as much of his duties as he could with magic. This left Merlin with a lot of free time, which Arthur forced him to spend studying or helping him with his royal duties.

Arthur was currently having lunch with Uther and Morgana, being served by Merlin and Gwen as usual. Arthur wasn't paying much attention to what Uther was saying, all his attention was on Gwen, and how beautiful she looked today.

— What news is there from the northern border? — asked Uther

— There have been a small number of skirmishes - replied Arthur.

— You believe Odin is testing our defenses? - Uther asked.

Arthur, focused on looking at Gwen, did not hear his father's question.

— Arthur, are you listening?

— What's that? — Arthur asked, startled, accidentally knocking over a cup.

— What on earth is wrong with you? — Uther said angrily.

— Nothing - Arthur said, trying to act normal.

— Gwen had you very distracted today — Merlin said, closing the door behind him.

The rest of lunch had passed calmly, but Merlin had caught Arthur looking at Gwen a couple more times.

— I do not know what you're talking about

— Come on Arthur, you don't have to deny it... I know perfectly well what happens between you and Gwen

— Nothing is happening between us Merlin

— Exactly! You should invite her to a date... a picnic or something.

— Don't be ridiculous Merlin, you know no one can't see us together... Uther wouldn't allow it.

— I know... But it could be a picnic in the forest... No one would see you there...

— I don't know

— Oh, come on... I know you want to spend time alone with her... And Gwen probably wants the same...

— I don't know...

— Think about it, I should go help Gaius with some herbs... - said Merlin, approaching the door — I'll be back in a while...

— Ok... - Arthur said distractedly, sitting down at the table to start working on some reports that he had pending.

Upon leaving the room, Merlin did not realize that Morgana had been spying on them, and that he had heard the entire conversation.

— A picnic in the forest is not a bad idea Merlin.. - Morgana said with a sinister smile — Arthur just needs a little persuasion

— Morgana - said Arthur when he saw Morgana enter his room

— Arthur, Am I disturbing you?

— No, come in... To what do I owe this pleasure?

— Well, I was worried about you — Morgana said while she poured herself water in a cup — you weren't yourself at dinner

— I was tired, that's all — said Arthur

— Really? — Morgana said sitting at the table next to Arthur — I 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 are you talking about

— Come on Arthur, why can you admit you have feelings for her? A blind man could see it

— Is it really that obvious?

— It's only so obvious to me because I know Gwen also have feelings for you

— Did she say something? — asked Arthur exited

— She speaks of you all the time — Morgana said

— What did she say?

— You're already arrogant enough. I will flatter you no further — Morgana said, trying to increase Arthur's interest. She added — Poor girl, I fear she doesn't know what to do with herself when she's around you

— She's not alone — said Arthur, somewhat sad about it — I have such feelings for her, and yet I know nothing can ever come of them

— If it's Gwen you desire, why do you deny yourself?

— Because she's a servant — Arthur said resignedly — my father would have me marry for the good of the kingdom

— Uther knows nothing of love — said Morgana, angry — you are the future king, you must set your own rules...

Arthur just looked at Morgana thoughtfully.

— Besides, he doesn't have to find out — added Morgana, standing up - you should spend some time with Gwen, I know she'll like that

With this last comment Morgana left the room, leaving Arthur with a lot to think about.

— My work is done — Morgana said quietly as she left.

— It's done — Merlin said as he entered Arthur's room — she agreed to go on a picnic with you

After talking to Morgana, Arthur had decided to take a chance and do what Merlin had suggested, a picnic in the forest. Merlin had gone to invite Gwen, and had just returned with the answer

— Excellent! - Arthur said — do you already have a place in mind?

— No... I thought you would have one

— No... Or maybe yes... — Arthur said thoughtfully — there is a small clearing on the side of an stream a few miles from the north gate... It is not close to the patrol route or any of the the main path

— Brilliant! So no one will see you

— We must plan this well... — Arthur said, standing up — we must have an excuse for where I am for Uther, or he will start asking about me.

— We can say that you went hunting... — said Merlin — you leave early with the things for the picnic and then I'll take Gwen there

— But you don't know where she is... — Arthur replied.

— If you explain to me how to get there or make me a map, I can get there without problems

— Sure? You have a terrible sense of direction

— That isn't true...

— Yes, it is, you always get lost...

— Not always... — Merlin said — seriously, trust me... I'll take Gwen there

— Okay... But don't ruin it!

The next morning Merlin knocked on Gwen's door.

— What? — Gwen asked.

— You look lovely — Merlin said with a smile — Are you ready?

— Yes...

— Let's go then, Arthur is waiting

Merlin and Gwen left the city chatting animatedly, after all the two of them were good freinds. They were already close to the place where Arthur would wait for them, when Merlin saw Arthur in the distance... he was looking at his reflection on a tray.

Merlin couldn't resist and decided to make fun of Arthur

— Cocooo — Merlin said, imitating the sound of some bird, startling Arthur, who dropped the tray to the floor.

Arthur stood up and walked over to the small stream, where Gwen and Merlin were still laughing at him.

— Gwen, you look... — Arthur said, but without being able to finish his sentence.

— I think he's trying to say you look nice — said Merlin, who was enjoying being able to make fun of his brother.

— Thank you Merlin, that would be all — said Arthur in a serious tone.

— Have fun! — Merlin said, leaving them alone.

Unknowingly to everyone, Morgana had followed them stealthily

Morgana, continuing with her plan, went to talk to Uther to convince him to go riding for a while. Arthur would soon have a big surprise

As soon as they left the city walls, Morgana began the next phase of her plan.

— Come on, I race you! — Morgana said, before hurrying her horse and setting off at full speed in the direction of the small clearing where Arthur was.

— We should be heading back to Camelot soon - said Gwen.

— We could stay a while longer, I don't know when we'll have the chance to do this again — said Arthur, who was lying on the blanket watching Gwen who was next to him.

— Perhaps when you became a farmer we can be together more often — Gwen said between laughs, alluding to what they had talked about a while ago

— That's just a dream, I fear I'll never leave Camelot... — said Arthur, who suddenly stayed still and added in a whisper — Stay still

— Is it bandits? — Gwen asked scared.

Arthur, almost without moving, grabbed a stone from the ground and threw it behind Gwen.

— A wasp - Arthur said with a seductive smile.

Gwen smiled and moved a little closer to kiss Arthur.

Arthur and Gwen were so engrossed in the passionate kiss they were sharing that they didn't hear the sound of horses approaching.

— Arthur! — Uther shouted, upon finding her son, the crown prince, kissing a servant.

Behind him Morgana watched the scene without managing to hide a small and malicious smile.

Arthur, very worried, was waiting for Uther in the throne room, to his surprise when Uther entered, he did so laughing.

— I thought you'd be furious — said Arthur, relieved.

— I was young once, I'm more than familiar with the temptations of serving girls

— I'm sorry I kept it from you, I thought it for the best

— No serious harm has been done — Uther said — I can't allow it to continue, obviously

— What are you talking about?

— You can never see this girl again

— You just said that no harm had been done — Arthur responded confused.

— You've had your fun, now it must come to an end

— What does it matter that Guinevere's a servant?

— The survival of Camelot it depends on forging an alliance through you marriage - Uther explained

— But I can't marry someone who I don't have feeling for

— Your first duty is to Camelot

I care about her — Arthur began to say, but was interrupted by Uther

— I cannot allow this, I forbid it — said Uther with a firm tone

— You can't forbid my feeling any more than I can, I won't deny them any longer, I love her... I love Guinevere

— You leave me no choice, she's banished from the city — said Uther, trying to end the conversation.

— You can do that

— She has three days to leave, to return is in pain of death

— She has nowhere to go... Her life is in Camelot — Arthur pleaded.

— You have caused this to happen Arthur... My decision is final

— Please... Do not banish her... I give you my solemn word that I will never see her again

— You made it clear to me that you can't control your feeling for this girl

— No I... — said Arthur desperately trying to convince his father

— This is for your own good

— How did Uther know where to find you? — Merlin asked surprised as soon as Arthur returned to his room.

— I don't know! You were the only person who knew where we were

— I didn't tell him

— Oh, maybe something you said gave it away — said Arthur annoyed.

— I didn't say anything

— You know Merlin... You couldn't keep a secret if your life depended on it! — Arthur shouted angrily.

— Oh, really? Because I'm pretty sure I'll be dead by now if that was the case! — Merlin responded just as angry.

— I know... I'm sorry... It's just...

— What are you going to do?

— I don't know...

At that moment they were interrupted by Morgana

— Leave us Merlin

While Arthur and Morgana were talking, Merlin went to see Gwen and talk to her.

After speaking with Arthur, Morgana worried that Arthur would decide to leave Camelot with Gwen and then return to claim the throne from her, decided that it would be best to talk to Uther before Arthur could ruin his plans. It wouldn't be difficult to convince him that Gwen bewitched Arthur to make him fall in love with her... Surely that would mean a trip to the pyre...

Later, when Merlin returned to Arthur's room, he was met with a great commotion.

— What's going on?

— My father has ordered my chambers to be searched — said Arthur indignantly.

— What for?

— You think I have a girl hiding in there? — Arthur said to a guard that was looking in his drawers

The guards, as always when they carried out this type of search, were messing up the whole place, opening drawers, cupboards and closets.

— What's that? — Arthur asked, surprised when one of the guards pulled something strange out from under his pillow.

— What was that? — Arthur asked Merlin as soon as the guards left his room.

— It was a poultice..

— Did you leave it there?

— Of course not... — Merlin responded, lowering his voice to add - all my things are well hidden in my room.

— And then where did it come from?

— I don't know... But I don't think it's a good thing.

— What are you talking about? — Arthir asked

— Uther was looking for something in your room... and I'm afraid he found it... — Merlin concluded. — Somehow he must believe that you are under a spell, and that is why you are in love with Gwen

— That's ridiculous

— I know... But it's the only explanation I can think of.

— When I talked to him he didn't mention anything about being bewitched...

— Maybe someone talked to him after you did... — Merlin said thoughtfully - what did you and Morgana talk about?

— Do you think it was Morgana?

— I don't know... But someone is behind all this... — Merlin said - She was with Uther when they found you in the forest.

— Yes... but she didn't know what we would do, I never mentioned the picnic to her.

— Maybe he heard us talking... Or followed me when I took Gwen there...

— But what does Morgana gain from this? I understand that she tried to kill me to get revenge on Uther... But with this?

— I don't know... — said Merlin, while he looked out the window — oh, no...

— What is it Merlin?

— I just saw some guards dragging Gwen into the palace

Arthur and Merlin, very alarmed, ran out of the room to see what was happening.

Gwen, guided by a pair of guards, was brought to her knees in front of Uther.

— Do you recognize it? — Uther asked, showing the poultice to Gwen

— I haven't seen it before in my life — Gwen replied

— Really? I believe you planted it in Arthur chambers to enchant him

— That's not true

— Why else would Arthur fall in love with someone like you

— I don't expect someone like you to understand that — Gwen responded defiantly.

Uther, angry with the answer, slapped Gwen hard.

— My Lord! — Morgana shouted — 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

At that moment Arthur and Merlin entered the room.

— What's the meaning of this? — Arthur asked, very upset.

— This poultice was found under your pillow, some kind of love charm... — said Uther, showing the Poultice to Arthur — You were under a spell

— That's ridiculous - Arthur said, shaking his head.

— What would you know?

— Because I know how I feel... I'm not enchanted

— So can you tell me how it came to be in your room — Uther asked

— I don't know, but I don't believe Guinevere put it there — Arthur responded very confidently.

— Until its spell is broken I can't take anything you say as the truth — Uther told him, and then turned around and spoke to the rest of those present - Her father consorted with sorcerers.

— My father was a good and innocent man, and you executed him! - Gwen responded distressedly

— So you would seek your revenge by enchanting my son? — Uther asked very angrily.

— No!

— My lord, whatever this poultice is I don't think Gwen is responsible of magic — Gaius said

— I don't care what you believe Gaius — said Uther — Arthur is under her spell it's the only rational explanation for his behavior

— Father, you have to see reason. Guinevere has done nothing wrong — said Arthur trying to convince his father

— She has been found guilty of using magic and enchantments - sentenced Uther — She will be burn at the stake

— No! — Arthur said, approaching Gwen.

— Restrain him! — Uther ordered the guards

— You can't do this! — Arthur shouted, as he struggled with the guards who had him restrained.

— My Lord, at least give Gwen a fair trail — Gaius asked

— I have all the evidence I need

— I'm begging you! We will leave Camelot and never return.. just, just let us go — said Arthur desperately — I relinquish my entitlement to the throne!

Everyone present was very surprised to hear Arthur

— My son would never do that — said Uther disappointed — it is proof beyond a doubt that you are enchanted.

— I will never forgive you for this — replied Arthur angrily.

— She will die and the enchantment will be broken. — said Uther, caressing Arthur's cheek - You'll see I was right. Take her away

— No! Guinevere - shouted Arthur desperately, struggling harder.

— Arthur! No! Arthur, please! — Gwen yelled, as she was dragged away by the guards

— No! — Arthur shouted, managing to escape from the guards' hands. He managed to reach Gwen and give her a passionate kiss, but the guards separate them again — I will always love you.

Meanwhile the scene was observed by a smiling Morgana

— We need to find a way to snuggle Gwen out of Camelot — Merlin said, entering Arthur's room.

Merlin, maintaining his role as servant, had been unable to say anything while Gwen was tried and then taken to the cells. He too had not been able to give his opinion as Arthur was forcibly taken back to his room by the guards.

— Uther has me under constant watch... — replied Arthur, who with great sadness watched through the window as the guards were setting up the stake for tomorrow — There's guard outside... Below on the square ... I can watch her die Merlin

Merlin, remembering the pain of losing Freya, decided that he would not allow Arthur to go through something like that...

— Everything will be fine Arthur... — said Merlin before leaving the room

The first thing Merlin did when he left Arthur's room was go visit Gwen in her cell. He had tried to reassure Gwen, and to his surprise Gwen had told him something that had confirmed her suspicions... Morgana was behind all this.

Leaving Gwen, Merlin wasted no time and went straight to Gaius. His relationship with Gaius was not like before... he still loved and respected him a lot, but he was still very hurt by what happened. However, Gwen's life and Arthur's happiness were in danger, so he had no choice but to trust Gaius again.

— Morgana? Uther will never believe that Morgana is responsible — said Gaius, as soon as Merlin told him what he knew.

— Perhaps Arthur would talk to him around

— Uther thinks Arthur is enchanted Anything that Arthur does will strengthen that belief... — said Gaius — I fear that's not going to save Gwen

— If we can't expose the true sorcerer... we must invent one

— What?

— What If a sorcerer is caught planting an identical poultice in Arthur chambers?... — said Merlin — Uther would have no choice but to release Gwen

— And do you know of a sorcerer who's stupid enough to get cought doing such a thing? — Gaius asked, suspecting the answer

—;Maybe... But you can tell Arthur about it!

— Oh, I won't like this... — said Gaius — and why not?

— Because he would not agree with the plan.. also for it to work Arthur cannot know, everything must be as real as possible

— Alright...

— ...So if I disguise myself it won't matter if I'm caught, I can use magic to escape and then change back to myself... — Merlin explained — They'll think the sorcerer has just vanished into thin air

— Well, no matter how you disguise yourself I fear Arthur will recognize you

— Not if I'm eighty years old

— An aging spell? — Gaius asked — Merlin aging spells are notoriously difficult and unpredictable... If the spell doesn't hold you'll be exposed... Not to mention that you just recover from your injuries, and your arm is not completely heal yet

— I know, but if I don't do something Gwen's going to die and I'm not going to let that happen — said Merlin approaching the door — Can you make a poultice identical to the one found in Arthur chambers?

— Well, I believe so...

— Great... Start preparing it... — said Merlin — I must go look for my spell book... I'll be right back.

When performing the spell Merlin could see why Gaius had mentioned his wounds... his right arm hurt quite a bit when he moved it, something that hadn't that morning... He will try to move his arm as less as possible

With the new poultice in hand, Merlin headed to Arthur's room. He was about to get there when he noticed that Arthur was in the hallway talking to some guards. It was time to put the plan into action... The first thing was for Arthur to see him

Quickly (as quickly as his old, aching body would allow) he made his way to the bed so he could put the poultice under the pillow before Arthur found it. To give more drama to the scene, Merlin began to say invented words, simulating an incantation.

At that moment Arthur appeared behind him and touched him with the tip of his sword on the back.

— Show yourself! Who are you? — Arthur asked

— I am... — Merlin responded, surprised by the question - Dragoon, the great!

— It was you who planted the poultice in my bed?

— You caught me red-handed, I've no choice but to confess

— An innocent girl almost die because of your actions

— I suppose you father will have to release her now you've cought me

— I should run you through right where you stand

— I really wouldn't do that if I were you, because if you do that... You'll never learn of my plan

— What's the plan?

— Exactly! That's why you can't run me through

— Have we met? — Arthur asked, lowering his sword

— No, I don't believe so. I never forget a face

— Your ayes, we met somewhere before...

— Me? No! — responded Merlin, who began to get nervous under Arthur's insistent gaze.

To get out of trouble he decided to hit Arthur on the head with a metal jug, and then run away.

— Guards! — Arthur shouted from the ground, holding his battered head.

Merlin managed to hide from the guards and tried to cast the spell to return to his original form, but without any success.

— He went this way! — he hear Arthur say.

Merlin began to run as fast as his old legs could carry him, this was bad, very bad.

As soon as he could hide behind a pillar he tried to cast the spell again, without success again.

Arthur and the guards were getting closer.

—There he is! — shouted Arthur

Merlin tried to run again, but Arthur had already caught up with him and as soon as he could he threw a dagger that left him trapped against a door.

— Seize him! — Arthur ordered the guards

Arthur knew that her feelings for Gwen were not the product of a spell, but since he had the opportunity to blame this man and thus save Gwen, he would not waste it.

Arthur, followed by the guards and Dragoon entered the council room where Uther and the council were.

— Father!

— Who is this — Uther asked when he saw Arthur and the others enter.

— He is the sorcerer — said Arthur, handing the new poultice to Uther — I found him placing this under my pillow

— Is this true?

— Yes — Dragoon responded

— What did you hope to achieve with this enchantment? — asked Uther

— If Arthur were to fall in love with a lowly serving girl, it would bring shame on Camelot

— Have I wronged you in some way old man? — Uther asked calmly

— You have wronged some many people, in some many ways... — Merlin responded. It was his chance to say some things to Uther - You're blinded by your hatred of magic... You have tortured and executed innocent people... — Merlin could no longer contain his anger, he had so much he wanted to say to Uther — You Uther Pendragon are a stupid, arrogant, old tyrant!

— You will hold your tongue — said Arthur, who agreed with the old man, but he had to pretend to support his father.

— And you... Oh, I have heard how you... mistreat your servants! — said Merlin, he also had some things to say to Arthur — They do everything for you but do they ever get any thank you? No! You are a spoilt arrogant brat with the brains of a donkey and the face of a toad!

Arthur stared at Dragoon carefully as he complained... He definitely knew those eyes!

— The serving girl, is she your accomplice? — asked Uther, indifferent to the old man's rant

— I enchanted her too... The girl is entirely innocent — Dragoon replied

— My Lord, he has confessed — said Arthur hopefully.

— Release the girl, tomorrow at dawn you will take her place at the pire. — Uther said after a few seconds — Take him away

Relieved, Arthur looked around and noticed that Morgana didn't look very relieved that her servant had just been saved from being burned at the stake.

— Gaius, have you seen Merlin? I can find him anywhere — Arthur asked Gaius, who had quickly left the council room.

— I think he said he was going to spend the day in the tabern

— Oh, really? Don't lie to me! — Arthur said approaching Gaius.

— Sire?

— He is the sorcerer, isn't he? — Arthur said in a whisper.

— Yeah...

— Come with me — Arthur ordered.

Dragoon was in his cell very worried, he had tried to undo the spell several times, but it didn't worked... he just hoped that Gaius could come see him, surely he would have some solution.

Just then he heard footsteps behind him. Dragoon turned to see who had come to visit him, to his surprise it was not just Gaius, Arthur was also coming.

— How could you do something so stupid! — Arthur said trying not to scream too loudly.

— You told him? — Dragoon asked Gaius

— No idiot! I recognized you!

— Oh

— Oh? I... — Arthur said exasperated — why haven't you changed back?

— I can't... I've tried several times, but the spell is very powerful... I'm stuck like this

— There must be another way... — Arthur asked Gaius

— I can only think of one...

— Which? — asked Dragoon

— In the book of Gala there's an antidote that can undo such aging spells

— How long would it take to make this antidote? — Arthur asked

— Longer than I fear you have — Gaius responded, turning around to return to the castle —

Buy me as much time as you can

Once they were alone Arthur asked

— Why? Why did you do something so dangerous... And without telling me... I thought we had said no more secrets — Arthur said hurt.

— I'm sorry, Arthur... My intention was not to lie to you... — Dragoon responded — but for it to work it had to look real, and for that you didn't have to know it was me, or Uther could have realized that we were pretending.

— Still, you shouldn't have done something so dangerous... — said Arthur — What if I or one of the guards had hurt you?

— I did not think on that ...

— And at the stake? Didn't you think about that either? — Arthur asked, getting upset again.

— Of course! But I didn't count on the fact that I couldn't undo the spell.

— You shouldn't have risked so much.

— But I had to save Gwen somehow — Dragoon replied — I couldn't allow you to live the pain of losing someone you love...

Arthur could see in Merlin's eyes an enormous sadness that even with his Dragoon costume he could not hide.

— Merlin? Are you OK?

— Yes... It's just that I... — Dragoon responded, his voice breaking with emotion, it was still difficult to remember Freya.

— Did you lose a woman you loved? When?

— Ehm... Her name was Freya — Dragoon replied — it happened shortly after we met Morgause for the first time.

— But... you didn't say anything...

— No...

— How did she die? — Arthur asked. Something in his stomach told him that it was not a good idea to listen to the answer.

— She... You kill her — Dragoon responded in a whisper

— What?... Merlin, I'm so sorry... — said Arthur, very shocked by the news.

— It wasn't your fault... — said Dragoon, who decided that it would be best to explain the situation a little more — She was cursed... She was a druid girl, cursed to become a Bastet at night...

— I remember... She escaped from the bounty hunter...

— I helped her escape from him and hid her in the tunnels under her city... — said Dragoon - she was not to blame, it was the curse...

— I...

— We were going to escape together... — said Dragoon, while a silent tear ran down his cheek — To run away and live in the countryside...

— I'm so sorry, Merlin — said Arthur, very affected... He had killed his own brother's love.

— It wasn't your fault... You didn't know, you were just trying to protect your people...

Arthur didn't know how to respond... he had done a lot of damage to Merlin, damage that he couldn't repair. And on top of that, it was Merlin who consoled him... Who, being in the older version of himself, looked wiser, but even more hurt by what had happened.

— You should go see Gwen - Dragoon said, trying to change the topic of conversation.

— No, I won't leave you here alone.

— I'm not going anywhere, if that's what you're worried about.

— No, of course that's not it... — Arthur replied — ...Although if Gaius doesn't arrive in time I'm afraid we won't have any other option.

— I hope not, it's not easy to escape with this body... — Dragoon replied — seriously, you should go see Gwen, all this was so you could be together

— I know, and I appreciate it very much... But now is not the time — he responded - now I am more worried about you.

— I'm safe for the moment — Dragoon replied, sitting down on the small bunk.

— Are you ok?

— Yeah... — Dragoon responded — but I'm old, so my whole body hurts... And I'm cold...

— And you're not scared?

— I would have been before... If I had done this behind your back and was here waiting for you to take me to the stake - Dragoon replied — but knowing that you are on my side helps a lot

— I wish I could bring you a blanket, but it would be suspicious... — Arthur replied — can you light a small fire? I will stand guard at the entrance to the cells

— But...

— I'll just say that I'm making sure you don't escape — Arthur replied — come on, start the fire as soon as I leave... I don't want you to die of hypothermia.

— Okay...

— I'll make noise if someone comes, okay?

— Alright

— I'll be back as soon as Gaius has the potion ready — Arthur said, — and if he doesn't have it ready in time, you'll have to escape when we're on our way to the stake, do you understand?

— Yeah

— Not down here... There is only one exit and it would be very easy to capture you again... — said Arthur — it must be in the courtyard.

— I understand... — Merlin responded distressedly. He was grateful Arthur was here with him, it would have been horrible to go through this with Arthur actually taking him to the stake.

Arthur went to the small room at the entrance to the cells, where he found two guards

— You can go... — Arthur said with an authoritative tone — I will stay on guard tonight.

— Are you sure sire?

— Yes, I will make sure that the prisoner does not escape — replied Arthur — you can come back later to help me take him to the stake.

— Understood sire

As soon as the guards left, Arthur gave a big sigh, everything was easier when he didn't know the stupid things Merlin did...

About an hour later Arthur heard someone approaching from the castle, but the steps were not those of a man... They were high-heeled shoes. Suspecting that the only woman interested in visiting the mysterious sorcerer would be Morgana, Arthur decided to pretend that he hadn't heard her. Apparently his suspicions were true, because as soon as the footsteps were only a few meters away they stopped, and quietly began to return to the castle.

— Yeah, that wasn't suspicious at all — Arthur said quietly.

The night passed agonizingly slow for Arthur and Merlin, waiting in vain for Gaius to appear with the potion.

Shortly before dawn the guards returned, so they could help Arthur with the prisoner.

— Sire, everything is ready — said one of the guards

— Excellent, come on — Arthur said standing up, hiding as best he could the fear he was feeling at that moment.

As he headed to the cells, Arthur made as much noise as he could without seeming suspicious, waiting for Merlin to hear him and put out the fire.

— It's time - said Arthur, opening Dragoon's cell.

— Wait!

— What is it?

— There's other crimes I wish to confess — said Merlin trying to buy time.

— What difference does it make, you're about to be burnt at the stake... — Arthur responded, trying to sound indifferent — We can't execute you twice.

Arthur walked in front of the two guards carrying Merlin. There was still no sign of Gaius... Merlin would have to escape...

Upon reaching the courtyard Merlin began to panic, his worst nightmare was coming true in front of him. From the balcony Uther and Morgana watched the scene enchanted, below in the courtyard was a large part of the city... The stake was prepared and a guard was playing the drum to make the scene more terrifying.

Merlin looked around, engrossed in seeing the faces of those present, with every step he took towards the stake, the fear increased... It was so much that he had forgotten the plan...

— You have been found guilty of using magic and enchantments... And according to our laws you will be burnt at the stake... Let's this serve as a lesson to all to seek to destroy Camelot

While Uther was speaking, Arthur had noticed that Merlin eyes were locked on the stake... Worried that Merlin would not be able to escape as he had planned, Arthur was about to approach him to pretend that he would guide him to the stake, when he noticed that Gaius appeared in the audience... But Merlin had not seen him yet

Acting quickly, Arthur approached Dragoon with the clear intention of taking him by the arm and leading him to the stake.

— Let's go — Arthur said walking towards Dragoon, as soon as he was close enough he added in a hidden whisper — ... Gaius... Left

Dragoon seemed to wake up from his stupor upon hearing Arthur, and after quickly looking to the left and seeing Gaius, he put his escape plan into action.

Letting go of Arthur, Dragoon approached Gaius.

— A curse upon you all!! — Shouted Dragoon who violently approached Gaius so he could take the potion that was in his hands — I will have my revenge!

Dragoon was quickly restrained by the guards

— Are you alright Gaius? — asked Arthur, who came over to check if the evil sorcerer had hurt Gaius.

— I'm fine Arthur — said Gaius

As soon as the guards began to guide him to the stake, Dragoon muttered a spell that created a large flare of fire in the stake, scaring everyone present.

Taking advantage of the commotion, Dragoon escaped into the castle. Arthur, after giving him a couple of seconds' head start, ordered the guards to go in search of the sorcerer.

— After him! - Arthur shouted reluctantly.

Dragoon tried to enter the first room he found, but unfortunately for him it was closed. Desperate, he took the potion hoping he could change back before they found him... he could hear them coming down the hall...

Arthur, for his part, tried to delay the search as long as he could to give Merlin time, searching behind each pillar if necessary... All in order to buy time.

To Arthur's surprise and relief, when searching behind one of the pillars he came face to face with Merlin.

— Merlin! Where's the sorcerer?

— He... Ghm... Went that way — said Merlin, still somewhat confused by the effects of the potion.

— Sound the warning bell, and search the entire palace... I want him found — Arthur ordered the guards, taking advantage of the moment he began to shout at Merlin, he deserved it - are you telling me you let him run straight past you?

— He was just to fast for me - Merlin responded, still a little groggy.

— He's a doddery old man... — Arthur emphasized loudly, with the intention that everyone nearby could hear it — This is what happens when you spend all day in the tavern!

— What?

— Perhaps mucking out my horses will help sober you up — Arthur finally said, before turning around and leaving.

Merlin, still somewhat confused, stood there without saying anything.

— Merlin? — asked a red-haired girl, a servant who had been nearby and had heard Arthur's screams — you better go clean the horses... The prince did not look in a good mood.

— What? Oh yes, of course... — Merlin said without paying much attention.

Merlin had no intention of going to clean the horses, so he began walking back to his room, he deserved a long hot bath.

To Merlin's surprise, just a few meters away he again met Arthur and several guards who were still looking for Dragoon.

— Merlin! Didn't I tell you to go clean the horses? — Arthur said as soon as he saw Merlin.

— Um...

— Now Merlin! — shouted Arthur

— But...

— Don't make me send you to the stocks — Arthur threatened.

— You wouldn't dare — Merlin whispered with a defiant tone.

— Try me... — Arthur responded with an even more challenging tone.

Merlin, very angry, headed to the stables, he couldn't believe that Arthur was making him do this.

When Merlin arrived at the stables, he sat in the corner and began to breathe deeply, trying to calm down a little. After a few minutes his anger had diminished a lot, and with it also lowered his adrenaline... So the pain in his arm had returned.

— Ugh — Merlin complained, bringing his arm closer to his chest. He had left the sling in Gaius' room, and he wasn't wearing his neckerchief to improvise one

— Arthur is crazy if he thinks I'll actually muck out the stables...

Merlin sat in silence, stroking his arm trying to make the pain lessen a little. He didn't feel like going back to the castle yet... And he definitely wouldn't clean the stables.

— Merlin?

Merlin opened his eyes with a start, apparently he had fallen asleep...

— What are you doing here? Are you coming to see how clean the stables are? — Merlin asked angrily when he saw Arthur at the door — well, as you can see... They're still just as dirty...

— Merlin...

— I told you I wouldn't muck out the stables again! — said Merlin, standing up slowly so as not to move his right arm too much — I see that everything you said was not true... As soon as the opportunity arose I went back to being the usual idiotic servant, right?

— No... Merlin... I'm sorry, okay? — Arthur said, getting a little closer to Merlin so they could talk without the whole city hearing them — ... I was just very angry... And scared...

— And you think I wasn't? — Merlin asked, trying not to scream — I was the one walking towards the stake

— That is the point! You shouldn't have done something so dangerous! — said Arthur, who, realizing that he had screamed again, tried to calm down a little — don't ever do something like that again, do you hear me? Now we can find a solution between the two of us... You don't need to do this kind of thing behind my back.

— I know... I guess I'm just used to it... — Merlin responded.

— What's happened to your arm? — Arthur asked when he noticed how Merlin held him firmly against his chest —... I thought it was better now and that it almost didn't hurt anymore...

— That's how it was... Until yesterday when I performed the spell...

— Come on, Gaius better check you out — Arthur said, approaching Merlin to guide him towards the exit.

— What about the stables?

— Don't worry...

— But everyone heard that...

— I know, but everyone also knows you're still hurt... Come on - Arthur said, leaving the stables - and Merlin, thanks for saving her

— I told you that that spell would be very demanding on your arm — Gaius scolded him, as he examined him — ... There is no extra damage than there already was, but you definitely delayed the recovery for several days ... This looks like it looked a week ago

— Perfect — Merlin said.

— You will have to wear the sling for several more days — Gaius said, as he re-bandaged the wound and then placed the arm in the sling again — ...And no heavy lifting — Gaius added, this time looking at Arthur — that includes no mucking out stables

— I know... I'm sorry

— Take this — Gaius said, passing a pain potion to Merlin — And Merlin, don't do that again!

— I know, I know ...

Arthur and Merlin returned to Arthur's room, just in time for lunch.

— Oh, sire you're back! — said Rick, who was leaving Arthur's room with the tray of food in his hand — I thought you were here, and I brought you lunch, but since I couldn't find you I was going to take it back to the kitchens...

— We're back, so you can leave it here — said Arthur, entering the room — thank you

— Sure sire — said Rick, leaving the food on the table — but I didn't bring Merlin's lunch tough... I thought that he'll be mucking out the stables

— No... As you can see, he's still recovering, so... — Arthur replied

— I'll be right back then — said Rick, before turning around and leaving in search of Merlin's lunch.

After lunch, Merlin had retired to his room to get some sleep, the night in the cell had not been pleasant. Meanwhile Arthur had gone looking for Gwen

— Sorry, I don't mean to startle you — said Arthur, who, upon seeing Gwen walking down the hallway, had dragged her behind a pillar to talk calmly — now.. my father believes that my feeling for you are a result of an enchantment... If he's to see any sign that that isn't the case, he will banish you from Camelot

— And are your feelings for me the result of an enchantment? — Gwen asked.

— Oh, we both know that's a lie — Arthur said with a smile — but I think that it would be safer for you if we let others continue to believe it

— What you said to your father... Would you really have given up your place on the throne for me? — Gwen asked worriedly.

— I still would

— Your place is here in Camelot

— My place is with you — replied Arthur

— This isn't just about us... You must stay for the sake of your people... — Gwen said honestly — You will be a great king, and then you can change those ridiculous customs

— I promise you that when I am king thing will be different... a lot of things will change, and we'll be together

— I will count the days untill then — Gwen said in a sweet tone, slowly approaching Arthur to give him a kiss, but they were interrupted by the noise of someone approaching — I should go

Arthur watched Gwen walk away, promising to himself that when he'll became king many things would change, not only he will be able to be with Gwen, but Merlin could finally be free.