[TRANSCRIPT START]

Arthur is sleeping in his bedroom. Merlin comes in and drags the large curtains open. Arthur yawns and rubs his eyes.

ARTHUR

Good mo—

Merlin gives him a look, and his eyes flash a light green.

ARTHUR

Morning?

MERLIN

You have a lot of explaining to do.

Arthur grins lazily.

ARTHUR

Listen, the First Lady didn’t love the practical joke, but the President loved it. Kay and I—

MERLIN

This is not about you and your brother’s shenanigans, Your Majesty.

Arthur blinks and sits up, serious.

ARTHUR

What is it, Merlin?

The green in Merlin’s eyes intensifies. A 3D image of a woman materializes before him. She shimmers translucently, but her sharp green eyes and black hair piled on top of her head are vivid.

MERLIN

This woman. The courtiers spotted you at the dinner with her last night. Who is she?

Arthur smiles.

ARTHUR

Morgan le Fay. She’s a stunning woman, Merlin.

Merlin sighs and shuts his eyes. The image disappears.

ARTHUR

What is wrong? You’re tense, and more so than usual.

MERLIN

You are going to hate me for saying this.

ARTHUR

Hate you? Merlin, you’re the closest person I have right now. I could never hate you.

Merlin opens his eyes and stares into Arthur’s.

MERLIN

Parliament has instructed me to tell you to never speak to her again.

Arthur shoots out of bed.

ARTHUR

On what grounds?

MERLIN

On the grounds that she is a witch and practices illegal magic.

Arthur’s expression drops.

MERLIN

I assume you did not know this.

ARTHUR

No…I did not.

MERLIN

How long have you been speaking to her in this manner?

ARTHUR

In this manner? I’ve known her for months, Merlin. I--

MERLIN

If you are ready to marry, Parliament has suitable candidates. Lady Guinevere of—

ARTHUR

I have no choice in my own marriage? That is unfair!

MERLIN

No, it isn’t. But there are a lot of unfair things about this situation.

Silence. Arthur extends his hand to grab his shoulder, but Merlin pulls away.

MERLIN

The Prime Minister will come in at noon for tea. I will come for Your Majesty at 10:30.

Merlin leaves the room. Arthur remains standing with his hand extended. Merlin passes a courtier.

MERLIN

Send a message to the le Fay house. Tell them they are no longer welcomed in the court because they harbor a witch.

COURTIER

Yes, sir.

MERLIN

And keep an eye on the King. We don’t want the witch to cast her spell on him.

COURTIER

The guards said she just arrived, and the King invited her. What should I say?

MERLIN

Tell her that the King withdraws his invitation. Permanently.

Weeks pass. Arthur appears unhappy as he paces in his office. Merlin stands nearby and takes notes.

ARTHUR

And see to it that they get a tour of both Buckingham and Windsor.

MERLIN

I’ve also suggested a luncheon with the Prime Minister.

ARTHUR

Good…Good…

Arthur drops in his chair and holds his head in his hands.

MERLIN

We can decide this at another time, if Your Majesty needs rest.

ARTHUR

No…my head only hurts.

Merlin’s eyes flash green. A mantis-colored aura surrounds Arthur.

MERLIN

Your Majesty, magic—

MORGAN

I need to speak with Arthur! Now!

A blast of green dust bursts the office doors open. Morgan’s eyes are ringed with gold. Arthur raises his head.

ARTHUR

Morgan! How did you find me?

MORGAN

You think it’s hard to find you? There’s only one palace in your so called “Camelot.”

ARTHUR

I’m happy to see you. I’ve wanted to talk—

MORGAN

Why have you sent me away? Have you no use for me anymore?

Arthur stands.

ARTHUR

No, Morgan, that’s not it. It’s Pa—

Morgan lifts her painted fingernails. Magic swirls on the tips.

MORGAN

Do not test me, Arthur.

Merlin stands in front of Arthur.

MERLIN

Threatening Your Majesty is high treason. Leave.

Morgan sneers.

MORGAN

Oh. This is the dog that you speak of so frequently.

ARTHUR

You cannot speak of Merlin that way, Morgan. Please leave. Immediately.

MORGAN

I am with child.

ARTHUR

What…?

MORGAN

Your child, Arthur.

MERLIN

Guards!

The guards enter the room. Arthur stands petrified.

MERLIN

Order her to leave, Your Majesty.

ARTHUR

Get her…out of here…

The guards don’t move. Merlin slams his hand on Arthur’s desk.

MERLIN

Do you not see the crown on his head? He said, get her out of here!

The guards move toward Morgan.

MORGAN

I will not allow you to forsake your child.

She disappears in a flash of green.

MERLIN

Out! Get out!

The guards retreat. He turns to Arthur and forces him to sit down.

MERLIN

Your Majesty, is there any kernel of truth to what she says?

Arthur whispers.

ARTHUR

Yes.

Merlin glances around before he kneels before Arthur. He takes the hand where Arthur wears an onyx-colored insignia ring.

MERLIN

I will take care of it for you.

He goes to stand, but Arthur grips his hand and prevents him from doing so.

ARTHUR

What can I do? I have ruined her life.

MERLIN

The only thing you can. Get married. Have children. A child of a witch will have no legitimacy—

ARTHUR

Merlin! For once can you speak to me in something other than politics! Can you speak to me like a friend, like you did when we first met?

MERLIN

I am advisor—

ARTHUR

But you are also my friend. And I’m not asking the advisor. I’m asking the friend.

Merlin goes silent for a moment and brushes his thumb against the onyx ring.

MERLIN

I would set her up in a home in Scotland. Secretly provide money to make sure she and the child are taken care of. And leave it at that. The more you press this issue, the more it will hurt you both.

Arthur presses his forehead to the top of Merlin’s hand.

ARTHUR

I am so sorry.

Merlin leans forward, his lips barely brushing the crown of his hair.

MERLIN

So am I…

[TRANSCRIPT ENDS]