Anne's POV
Anne is happy with Gwen's return. She is really, but something is still bothering Anne. They'd gotten Gwen out. Morgana and Amelia had held her captive, they had been there, and Merlin was sure of it. Yet he'd not seen them. They'd just let Gwen leave and hadn't tried to stop them. It worries Anne that something much deeper is going on. It had been too easy for them to get Gwen out of there. But there is little Anne can do to find out, ever since her return, Gwen has been in shock, still grieving the loss of her brother and only recently coming out of her shell. Anne doesn't want to cause any damage if she's wrong so she decides just to wait and see what happens.
And then something does.
Anne hurries into Gaius' Chambers when she hears the news that Merlin, Gwen and Arthur had been attacked when they were riding to have their picnic to celebrate Gwen and Arthur's anniversary.
When Anne bursts in, she is greeted with the sight of Gaius tending to Arthur's wound. Gwen stands by her husband's side, stroking his arm comfortingly while Merlin stands to the side.
"What happened?" Anne asks, calmer than she was before now that she knows everyone is safe but still feeling anxious.
"Bandits attacked." Merlin tells her. "Seems they planted a bomb of some sort to spoke the horses, Arthur's threw him and the bandits attacked."
"You're very fortunate, sire," Gaius begins as Anne frowns at that, "a fall like that you could have broken your neck."
"But how did they know?" Anne questions. "How did they know you'd be taking that path?"
"The men that attacked us, have they been questioned?" Arthur asks.
"I'm sorry, sire, the wounds were fatal. We were unable to learn anything from them." Gaius replies.
"I agree with Anne though." Merlin remarks. "It can't have been a coincidence that they were there."
"Maybe they were waiting in trap for others." Gwen suggests. "Just for anyone who might be going that way."
"Then they got more than they bargained for." Anne smiles at Merlin and Arthur for that.
Leon walks in. "Sire, we recovered your saddle from the forest trail. The girth has been unpicked and re-stitched. It was designed to break sire."
Arthur walks over to have a look. "Perhaps it wasn't all that much of a coincidence then." He muses. "Someone must have been able to warn the bandits that we would be heading out and they ran ahead to the path we'd chosen."
—
Anne frowns as she stands beside Merlin and Gaius as well as Yrene, Gwen's maid, whom Anne has begun to trust a bit more than she had before but there's still that divide, in the Council Chambers. A young boy, Tyr Seward she recalls, stands before Arthur, Gwen and the Royal Court. The poor boy is terrified, clearly, he is pale and shaking and looks utterly bewildered as to why he is here in the first place. Anne has to admit, she is rather confused as well, she knows the boy. She'd been a servant when he was just starting off as a Stablehand. He'd slowly moved his way up to being in charge of the prince's, now King's Stables. He is a sweet boy, who works to support himself and his mother. She can't fathom why he'd be here.
"The thread we found at the boy's home matches that used to sabotage your saddle, Sire." Leon steps forward, handing Arthur a spool of thread to examine.
Anne looks at it closely as Arthur analyses it. She frowns at what looks to be a generic, basic, common thread. This is probably in half the homes in the Kingdom and Leon thought, because the boy has access to the horses, that he had done it?
"Who put you up to this Tyr?" Arthur questions softly.
"No one, no one's put me up to anything Sire." Tyr replies.
"You're saying you acted alone? Had no help? No accomplice?"
"I don't know anything about these things you're talking about. I've done nothing Sire, save look after your horse and tack like I always do." Tyr insists.
"The evidence is staring you in the face. You can't deny it." Arthur points out, clearly reluctant to believe Tyr could have this.
"Sire, I swear on my mother's life..."
"Just give me their name. Why protect them? They can't help you now. Just give me their name." Arthur pleads.
"I have no name. There's no name to give." Tyr insists.
"Then you leave me no choice!" Arthur declares. "Though it saddens me greatly to do so I must charge you with treason. Is there anything further you'd like to say?"
"You're my King, sire. I'd never do anything to hurt you. Never." Tyr tearfully states.
Arthur sighs. "Tyr Seward, by the power vested in me I hereby sentence you to death."
Percival steps forward and takes Tyr out of the room.
Anne has to stop herself from crying out in shock at what had just happened. It's clear that Tyr didn't do it and may know something about who did, but treason? Death?
—
"I can't imagine Tyr wanting Arthur dead, he's a good lad." Merlin rants later on to Anne in their Chambers.
"I can't either." Anne agrees. "He holds no grudge against Arthur, or even Uther, he's been a dear the entire time. He loves working with the horses, he's so proud whenever one of his fairs well in a tournament or on a hunt."
"Arthur respected him as well." Merlin nods. "Always treated him fairly and well."
"Someone else had to be involved." Anne voices out loud. "We just need to find out who they are. With Tyr being held and about to be executed... I fear that they may have purposefully pointed the finger at him. What if they knew the evidence would lead to him?"
"Maybe so, but Arthur was right about one thing Tyr could not have done this alone. Someone else is involved," Merlin pauses in his movements, a thought crossing his mind, "and unless we find out who they are. What's to stop them from trying it again?"
Anne pauses at that. "And what else would they do to Tyr?"
Merlin turns to the door. "I'm going to speak to Tyr, see if I can reason with him, see if he might have seen something, anything out of the ordinary about the saddle before all this happened."
Anne nods, taking his hand to tug him closer. "Good luck." She whispers, kissing him before he runs out of their chambers.
—
Gwen, Arthur, Anne and Merlin all gather in the former couple's Chambers.
"You went to the Cells to see Tyr." Arthur states rather than asks when Merlin explains what he did.
But Merlin answers anyway, "Yes."
Arthur lets out a huff. "We've been over this before, we know what he said. The evidence doesn't lie."
"No one denies the crime sire, but the only part that Tyr played was to see it done." Merlin retorts.
Anne perks up at this as Merlin hadn't explained to her beforehand about what Tyr had said, only pulled her along to speak to Gwen and Arthur.
"He told you this?" She asks.
"Five minutes ago."
"Then who was it?"
"He won't say, he's too frightened. They threatened him."
"I must speak with him, at once." Arthur declares, walking around Gwen to the door. Merlin turns to follow.
"Arthur surely it can wait. Gaius told you to rest, let your injuries heal." Gwen rebuffs anxiously.
"I'll be fine Guinevere. I just want to hear what he has to say." Arthur replies, opening the door.
"And you shall." Arthur pauses at the door while Anne frowns at Gwen as she talks in confusion. "But Tyr has said everything he is willing to say for now. He's clearly frightened and unsure of what to do-don't push him. Let him think it over and maybe after a night in the Cells he'll be prepared to say more."
Anne sees Merlin look between Gwen and Arthur, studying them as Arthur takes a moment to decide on what to do. He then shuts the door.
"As always, Guinevere, you're right." Arthur walks past Gwen to the table by the window.
Merlin and Anne share a glance with Gwen before she turns to follow Arthur. They look at her as she goes before glancing at each other. Anne can see the same suspicion, concern and confusion that she feels written on Merlin's face.
—
Tyr is dead, had been murdered in his Cell. The Guards had been knocked out by a concoction of clarywort, a soporific, which allowed the person entrance to the chambers. Tyr hadn't stood a chance against whoever it was. He'd been stabbed. The worst is, that it only brings to light the growing fear that the person who had done it is familiar with Camelot. They had gotten in and out and hadn't been caught or spotted by anyone. They knew that Arthur was going to talk to him. Either way, Tyr is dead and they now have a traitor in their midst. The patrols have been doubled as a result. If this person has inside knowledge, then no one is safe.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia wrings her hands together anxiously as she waits for Gwen's arrival near the walls of Camelot. She tries not to think about how close she is to so many people that she used to be close with, that had betrayed her.
Amelia is startled out of her thoughts when she hears someone walking towards her, she turns to see it's Gwen.
"Guinevere." She greets, eager for news. Had the plan worked?
"The plan failed. Arthur lives." Gwen regretfully reports.
Dammit. Merlin had likely intervened.
"Does he suspect you?" Amelia questions, mulling over what she just heard.
"Not yet." Amelia relaxes at that. "But the Stablehand saw me. He was going to tell them everything."
This causes Amelia to pause. "Was? You have some good news then?"
"I did what had to be done."
Poor Tyr…
It's sad that it happened but it had to. Gwen is right, it had to be done.
"With Tyr gone you have to find someone else to take the fall." Amelia says, a new idea already forming in her mind. "You need to make sure no suspicion falls on you when Arthur dies. You must have support of the Knights, only with their allegiance will your path to the throne be clear."
"But what good is all this? Arthur's still alive." Gwen points out.
"For now." Amelia feels herself smile slightly when the plan continues to form. It's a good one that'll hopefully work. "By tonight you'll have everything you need to finish the job."
Gwen shakes her head. "Arthur's doubled the Guard, and there are patrols night and day. I can't risk leaving…"
"Gwen. Gwen." Amelia interrupts, gripping her hands to calm her and reassure her. "We will come to you."
Gwen looks at her questioningly but before she can ask what Amelia means, the sound of horses whinnying nearby can be heard. A Camelot patrol.
"Go!" Amelia quickly urges.
Gwen pulls her hood up and runs off. Amelia walks the other way. Gwaine turns his horse and goes the way that Gwen went. This causes Amelia to pause, with the speed he's going, Gwen will be caught in no time. Amelia grips her hand into a fist and pulls it back quickly causing Gwaine to fly off his horse and onto the ground.
Amelia looks at his crumpled, unconscious body with satisfaction. Morgana had entrusted her to meet with Gwen and now Amelia has stopped Gwen from being caught. She hopes Morgana will be proud of her.
—
Anne's POV
"No broken bones, I'm glad to say." Gaius declares.
The patrol didn't just count for just inside the Castle, but outside as well, which was why Gwaine is having a checkover under the gaze of Anne, Merlin and Arthur in Arthur's Chambers while said man questions him. Gwaine'd been on patrol, seen something, seen someone meeting in the woods and tried to get closer, tried to go after them, only to be pulled from his horse.
"Anything else you remember?" Arthur continues to question.
"Nothing. One minute I was pursuing them through the trees. The next I was flat on the ground." Gwaine admits regretfully.
"You're sure it was sorcery?"
"Without a doubt. Powerful, too."
"Morgana?" Anne questions, hoping it's not Amelia.
"Or Amelia?" Merlin also suggests. He says it pointedly, side-eyeing Anne.
"Either's possible. But why was one of them there?" Gwaine replies.
Anne hates how he has seemingly set on Amelia having turned dark. She would've thought he would have believed others considering what he used to feel for her.
"Maybe they were meeting someone."
"Why come so close to the Citadel?" Arthur asks.
"Maybe they had to. Maybe whoever one of them was meeting was here in Camelot." Merlin suggests
"Well, until we have more to go on this is idle speculation." Arthur declares. He looks at Gaius, Anne and Merlin. "Gaius, Anne, Merlin, see what you can find in the woods. Perhaps there's something we overlooked."
"I'll go with them." Gwaine starts to stand up but Gaius stops him.
"You'll do no such thing. You'll rest, Gwaine. Physician's orders."
Gaius gets up and leaves with Arthur as Anne lingers and Merlin moves to sit next to Gwaine.
"I don't think this is over." Merlin declares. Anne looks at him questioningly.
"What do you mean?" Gwaine asks.
"Well, whoever's responsible for the attack on Arthur's life, what's to stop them from trying again?"
Anne feels her heart drop to her stomach at that. God, he's right. This is just the beginning.
"They haven't a chance, the Citadel's on full alert." Gwaine argues. "Every entrance, every exit's being watched. Trust me, Arthur's safe as long as he remains in Camelot."
"That's just it, what if he's not safe here?" Anne speaks up, drawing their attention. "Merlin's right. What if Camelot's the most dangerous place that he could be? Who could have access to the Stables, who could of known the layout of the Cells? Who knew that Tyr would do anything to protect his mother?"
"Gwaine, you need to stay close to Arthur, and do whatever you can to protect him." Merlin urges the Knight.
"You have my word on it."
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia and Morgana walk along a path to a Hut that is in the middle of some trees. There is a bald man, Sindri, sitting at a desk, who looks up when they enter.
"Who are you?" He questions.
"It matters not who we are, but what we want and whether you can give it to us." Morgana deflects as they walk through the aisles of shelves upon shelves of different potions.
"And what is it that you want?"
"A tincture. With the power to kill." Amelia explains calmly. "Not just to kill, but to do so slowly and with the utmost pain."
"Very particular, what you seek." Sindri replies with a slight smirk.
"It has a very particular purpose." Amelia retorts. He looks up at her from a paper that he was looking over.
"Well? Do you possess such a thing?" Morgana urges.
"I do." He gets up and walks to a shelf that is next to them. He pulls two vials off the shelf. "Here."
Amelia eyes them curiously. "What are they?"
"Valerian. Two drops will render the victim unconscious. And Henbane. A single drop administered through the ear. Their death will be as prolonged and as unpleasant as could wish for." Morgana goes to reach for them. "Ah, these are… uncommon things. Hard to come by, hard to prepare…"
Amelia glares at him before handing over some gold and Morgana takes the vials.
Sindri counts the gold. "Very generous, my lady," he says as they walk away to leave, "more than enough to buy my wares. But not my silence."
This causes them to pause. They turn and Morgana tosses more coins on the floor.
Once they step out, Amelia turns to Morgana as they walk away from the Hut, "Hopefully this will work."
"Of course it will, sister." Morgana reassures, linking her arm with Amelia's. "You've done well."
Amelia can't help but perk up at the praise.
—
Anne's POV
"Gaius, Anne!" Merlin suddenly calls nearby on the forest path, close to Camelot and where Gwaine had been magically yanked from his horse.
Anne and Gaius quickly walk over to see what he had spotted. A vine on a tree that's unusually shaped.
Gaius goes to examine it. "Yes, that's certainly not natural."
"It was Morgana or Amelia, I'm sure of it." Merlin walks off in the direction Gwaine had said he'd spotted the hooded duo talking.
"Are you sure we're in the right place?" Gaius questions as they walk
"Gwaine said he spotted them somewhere around here." Merlin assures.
Anne then notices a piece of cloth on a branch. A clue! "There. On that branch." She picks it up, showing the other two.
"It's not much to go on, is it?" Merlin comments as he takes the cloth from Anne to give it a closer look.
"It's something." Anne declares.
—
Gaius examines the cloth through a magnifying glass in his Chambers. "Raw imported silk. Traders ask a small fortune for it. Whoever that belongs to is extremely wealthy."
Merlin takes the glass and cloth from Gaius. Anne peers over his shoulder as he looks at it. "What is that? Some kind of embroidery?"
This causes Anne to freeze then snatches the fabric from Merlin's hand despite his protests. She recognises it now, now that she's looking at it properly. It can't be—
"Indeed. Woven threads of silver and gold. Only those of the highest rank can afford such a thing."
Merlin's head snaps towards Anne as the same thought that's been forming in Anne's head begins to form in his. Her husband then abruptly takes off running without a word.
"Merlin? Where are you going now?" Gaius calls after him but to no avail so he turns to the woman standing next to his chair. "Anne?"
Anne stands there, frozen as she digests the knowledge she's just realised. Gwen's the traitor.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia slips into the Lower Town with ease, all the while in her Freya disguise, browsing the stalls. In a way, she kind of misses this, wondering between the Market stalls and the hustle and bustle of the people around her. She often walked these streets with Anne, Gwen or Morgana but then after Morgana's first take over of Camelot, foiled by Amelia's betrayal (one of many) of her sisters, Amelia began taking them with Percival. Her eyes well up at the thought of how Amelia used to wait for the Knights' training to finish before she stole Percival away to spend time with him.
Her heart clenches at the thought before she then places herself at the vendor who sells cloth, browsing the fabrics that used to be so familiar to her, focusing herself on the mission at hand.
She then sees Gwen making her way through the Town as expected. She nods to some Knights who walk past her, smiling pleasantly, playing the role of Queen. She stops at a vendor that sells cloth. Amelia turns around and grabs her hand. Gwen gasps and then calms once realising who it is.
"Just a few drops will ease your troubles, my dear." Amelia places the vials in Gwen's hand. "This one first," she indicates to Valerian, the yellow vial, "and then the other," she points to Henbane, the clear vial, "for the desired effect. Do you understand?"
Some Guards stop next to them and talk to a woman who is sitting in a chair next to the stall.
"Yes." Gwen glances at the Guards. "Come on." She loops her arm with Amelia, to display the act of assisting an old woman so that they can continue to talk without being noticed.
"Are you prepared? Have you found someone to take the fall?" Amelia asks. "Suspicion cannot fall to you."
"Don't worry. I have someone in mind." Gwen reassures, pausing in their walk.
Amelia gives her a pleased smile before departing.
—
Anne's POV
After the realisation that Gwen's likely the traitor and Merlin's departure, Anne had taken the chance to spend time with her children.
Anne smiles as she carries Euwen with her towards the Nursery, Faye walking beside her, holding her hand. They'd gone to see Gwaine. When Faye had found out that her favourite uncle had been hurt, or 'gotten an ouch' as the young girl likes to say, she'd wanted to go see him and make sure he was ok and give him a gift to make him feel better.
Faye had given him a small clay cup she'd made out of her crafting clays. It can't be used for a drink, but it is thoughtful. Even Euwen had tried to give his uncle a gift, he kept holding up a flower to him and waving it at him till he took it. Then he kept tugging on his hair until he put the flower in it. Which made Euwen giggle and clap and Gwaine proudly wore the flower in his hair the rest of the day.
But now the children are tired and Anne is looking forward to setting them to bed and then going to sleep herself. After lots of cuddles and kisses as well as many "just one more story, Mama", Anne departs the Nursery in search of her husband to find out what he's discovered. Instead, she has a frantic Merlin coming charging past her from the Castle's Kitchens.
"Merlin?"
Merlin doesn't pause as he yells over his shoulder, "You were right! The fabric matches! We have to warn Arthur!"
Anne's eyes widen and she immediately bolts after him. They burst into the Chambers, to see they're too late. Arthur is slouched over, pale and unconscious with Gwen nowhere to be found.
—
Arthur is now on the bed with Gaius examining him. Gwen stands on the other side of the bed facing Gaius with the Knights, Anne and Merlin behind her. Anne glares hotly at the so-called frantic and concerned wife.
"All the evidence suggests that the King has been poisoned." Gains declares.
"You're certain, Gaius?" Comes the fake sob.
"Quite certain. The sweating, the corruption of the skin, the traces of tincture around the ear. They all point to the use of henbane." Gaius assures.
"Is there no hope?"
Anne clenches her jaw as her fist tightens, trying to stop herself from launching herself at her so-called friend. She knew that ever since Gwen returned from the Dark Tower she hadn't been quite herself but this?!
"The poison is a deadly one, my lady. There may be a way to arrest its course but I cannot guarantee it."
"One thing I know for certain. That whoever did this lives among us. Whoever did this has betrayed us all." She turns to look at the Knights then back again as if the thought is only just dawning on her. "Someone who is free to roam the Citadel as they please, someone who has access to the King's Stables," Anne thinks she can tell where this is going, "the King's Prison, even the King's food. There is only one I know of…" Gwen turns around and looks straight at the person who stands next to Anne. "Merlin."
—
Despite Anne's protests, Merlin is thrown in a Cell. Anne yanks herself from Gwaine's grip, glaring at the Knight as Leon locks the Cell and hands the keys to the overnight Guards. He avoids looking at Merlin and strides over to Gwaine and Percival, who lingers nearby, urging them to leave. The coward doesn't dare to look at Anne either.
The Knights depart and Anne can't help herself anymore. She charges after them, catching them at the entrance and calls to the Knight at the end of the group. "Percival, please?"
He stops while Gwaine and Leon continue walking. He turns but avoids her gaze.
"What, Anne?" He sounds completely and utterly resigned, life and energy knocked out of him.
"You can't seriously believe this. That Merlin would really poison Arthur." She argues.
"I don't know what to believe anymore."
"I can tell you that Merlin wouldn't have done this." Anne retorts.
Percival scoffs. "Well, I can tell you that we don't always know all that there is to know about our spouses."
"I know one thing about yours is that Amelia wouldn't allow this to happen." Anne argues.
Percival to flinches. "Amelia's gone, Anne. She betrayed us."
"I think you're wrong." Anne retorts, striding over. "It's Morgana's influence, we just need to get her away—"
"Anne, please. Stop. I can't." And with that, he turns quickly and walks away, fleeing.
"Percival!" She cries after him.
He keeps walking. Anne huffs before looking back towards the Dungeons where she knows her husband is with wet eyes.
—
"You were both right." Gaius murmurs as the three of them convene to discuss what to do. "Whatever they did in the Dark Tower, they've taken control over Gwen and used her to get to Arthur."
They.
"How could Amelia do this to Gwen?" Anne utters in disbelief.
"We can deal with that later but right now we need to save him." Merlin speaks. Anne nods, knowing he's right. He turns to Gaius. "Can you?"
"The poison is too strong, too virulent. Your magic is his only hope." Gaius replies.
"You need to get me out of here somehow."
—
While Gaius deposits Merlin the ageing potion, Anne goes to the Royal Chambers to 'comfort' Gwen and keep an eye on her until Merlin arrives.
She arrives to find a sobbing Gwen sitting at Arthur's side with Leon dutifully comforting her.
Anne clenched her fists before speaking, "Gwen."
"Oh, Anne." She sniffles. Gwen stands, wiping her eyes. Anne can clearly see she's faking it, she can tell that Gwen is different.
"I'll leave you both." Leon murmurs before quickly leaving.
"How is Arthur?" Anne asks. The King does not look well at all, even worse since she last saw him.
"There is no change." Gwen says regretfully, looking towards her husband. Anne wonders what her expression is now Anne can't see her face. "I wonder if there is any hope anymore."
Anne knows that's a very non-Gwen thing to say but keeps quiet and says, "Until the King draws his last breath, there is always hope."
"Yes, you're right, of course." Gwen turns to Anne once more. "I know how you much feel about Merlin. You must believe me when I say how sorry I am. But the evidence against him is overwhelming."
Gwen's false sympathetic gaze makes her internally cringe and Anne has to swallow heavily before replying. "You did what you had to do, Gwen. You had no choice. I understand that."
"Thank you." She grips Anne's hands in what is meant to be a gesture of warmth and sincerity but all Anne is left with is coldness. "I cannot imagine how betrayed you feel towards your own husband."
"Yes… it's difficult to imagine who those closest to you will do. Why anyone would betray the one they promised themselves to." Anne says.
Gwen nods solemnly but Anne can see her shoulders tensing ever so slightly and tries not to smirk.
—
When the warning bells sound, Anne shares a quick, almost gleeful look with Gaius, who had joined them in their vigil over Arthur, behind Gwen's back. Anne can hear a great deal of noise and running about in the Main Square below.
Gwaine enters the room. "Are you all right?" He frantically asks.
"Yes..." Gwen answers, confused.
"You haven't seen anything? Heard anything?"
"Nothing. Why?"
"There's an intruder within our walls."
"Here? In the Citadel?" Gwen questions in shock.
"Yes, my lady. We last saw them in the Main Square, then we lost sight of them." Gwaine answers her.
Anne spots Gaius looking over his shoulder and does the same, just in time to spot a familiar shadowy figure hiding behind the curtains by the window looking out onto the Main Square.
"My lady, you may be in danger." Anne warns in false concern. Though, to be honest, they do need to keep Gwen safe until they can reverse whatever happened to her. "Gwaine will take you to the Guest Chambers. He'll ensure no harm comes to you there."
"Why would anyone wish me harm?" Gwen questions.
"You're to be our leader, Gwen." Gaius speaks up. "You are Camelot's future. Do you imagine our enemies don't want you dead?"
"I can't leave Arthur, not now." Gwen says, acting the worried and frantic wife.
"Gwen, I promise, if there is any change, we'll fetch you at once."
"Gaius and Anne are right. Come, my lady. You're not safe here." Gwaine says.
Gwen has no choice but to oblige and lets Gwaine lead her out of the room.
Anne turns towards the curtains where Merlin is peeking out. "Do I want to know how you got in here?" She asks.
Merlin pushes the curtain aside. "No, you don't." He makes his way to the bed. "How is he?"
"His heart is nearly stopped. I fear he's close to death." Gaius answers.
Merlin puts his hand on Arthur's chest. "The sickness is so deep in him. I don't know if I have the power to bring him back." He says regretfully.
"You can do this, Merlin." Anne encourages. "We know you can."
Merlin straightens up, wipes his face and takes a few breaths. He places his hands on Arthur's chest. "Ic the thurhaele thinu licsar mid thamsundorcraeft thaere ealdan ae!"
Merlin backs away so Gaius can step forward to check on Arthur. He grips Anne's hand tightly as Gaius feels for a pulse. He turns to look at them regretfully. No, no he can't be—
Arthur moves and makes a face and mumbles, "Gaius…" and rolls over.
Anne almost chokes as she breathes a sigh of relief. "You did it, Merlin!" She and Merlin share a tearful but happy hug.
"Well done, Merlin!" Gaius also hugs him. "Well done." Merlin laughs wetly. Gaius pulls back. "You'd better get back to the Cells before you're missed."
Ah, yes, that.
"But… how? There are Guards on every floor and every stairwell." Anne splutters.
"Exactly." Merlin agrees. "How can I get back down there?"
"Well the same way you came up, obviously." Gaius replies bluntly.
"Obviously." Merlin deadpans. He turns to Anne, who shrugs helplessly. He sighs, gives Anne a peck then turns toward the window as Gaius makes a shoo motion.
—
Arthur stands before them with Gwen at his left hand and Yrene lingering behind her. Anne and Merlin stand to the right next to a column. An unknown bald man stands before Arthur, flanked by two Guards. It's the next day, Merlin has thankfully been released but Anne's joy hadn't been able to linger as they were all called into a Council meeting to discuss evidence that Gwen had apparently uncovered.
Arthur holds two vials in his hands, showing them to the Court. "The Queen found these vials in my chambers. They bear, as you can see a distinctive mark. Thanks to her tireless effort, she has been able to trace them." Arthur walks toward the man and holds one of the vials up in front of him. "This is your mark, is it not?"
"It is my mark, yes." The man admits, not holding the King's gaze.
Arthur holds up the yellow one. "And what does this vial contain?"
"It… it's valerian, sire."
"What does it do?"
"It renders the subject unconscious."
Arthur holds up the vial filled with clear liquid. "This one?"
"Henbane. It's poison, my lord." He barely looks at Arthur as he says this.
Anne's breath catches.
"A lethal poison." Arthur says to the Court before gesturing to Gaius. "And it is only thanks to the great skill of my Physician that I am still alive."
And Merlin.
"I'm sorry, my lord." The man hurriedly apologises. "I… I supplied it, I must confess. But I did not know that it was intended for you. In truth, I was… um… was too afraid to ask."
"Too afraid to ask who?"
"They who… procured it." The man hesitantly admits.
"And did you recognise these people?" Arthur asks.
"Well, I cannot say for certain but I believed it to be Amelia Hallewell and Morgana Pendragon."
Anne instinctively clutches Merlin's arm at his words. She sees Percival flinch and Gwaine grip his shoulder reassuringly.
Arthur nods and the Guards take the man away. Arthur walks back to the throne. "Because of the Queen's diligence, the truth has been uncovered." Arthur takes Gwen's hand and leads her forward. "Each and every one of us owes her a great debt. Long live the Queen."
Anne feels a bile ride in her throat as Gwen stands in front of the room smiling while everyone shouts. She turns in a circle and nods her head a few times. Gwen pauses when her eyes catch on Anne and Merlin. They stare at her showing nothing.
—
Amelia's POV
Arthur is alive, the plan had not worked.
Amelia flinches as Morgana lets out a scream of frustration, swiping the objects on the table in front of her. Beroun, who delivered the news, swallows heavily but, other than that, remains blank face as one of his mistresses lets out her anger.
"I-I'm sorry, Morgana, it's my fault." Amelia quickly tries to reassure her.
Morgana lets out a shaky breath, raining in her anger, before turning to Amelia. "It's alright, Amelia. You're lucky Gwen has able to cover her tracks. We will not fail next time." She reassures her. "Arthur Pendragon must die."
Amelia nods quickly and barely lets out a flinch as Morgana strides past her and out of the room.
—
A/N: I swear that in the episode, when Morgana buys the vials that the clear one is valerian and the yellow is henbane. But then the two other times we see the bottles, they're referred to as the other way round? Am I seeing things?
I worry when writing season 5 that Amelia is taking too much of Morgana's role but then I think that Morgana would like an underling/assistant to do the work for her as well as testing her sister so that she doesn't betray her. Plus, I want to show that while Amelia has joined her sister, she still at times feels torn, particularly when she thinks of it near Anne and/or Percival.