Queen of Hearts Merlin

In a land of myth and a time of magic,

the destiny of a great kingdom

rests on the shoulders of a young boy.

His name...

Merlin.

By the sacred laws vested in me...

I pronounce you Guinevere,

Queen of Camelot!

Is everything all right, my lady?

I'm fine.

It's late.

You should go to bed.

Good night.

Good night, Gwen.

(Sister.)

(Sister.)

(Sister.)

(This way. This way.)

(Sister.)

(Sister.)

(This way. This way.)

Hello, sister.

I can't tell you how good it is to see you.

I received your message.

Tell me about these dreams that are so troubling you.

They show a ceremony in Camelot.

It's my serving girl, Gwen. She sits beside Arthur on a throne.

She is crowned Queen.

I see the same thing night after night.

There are some dreams

that are so powerful your healing bracelet will not stop them.

It is a prophecy.

How can that be?

She's a servant. Uther would never allow Arthur to marry her.

There are many futures, sister.

Some are shrouded in mist, and others are clear as cut glass.

But your gift is powerful and this vision cannot be ignored.

You can't allow this serving girl

to take your rightful place upon the throne.

Whatever relationship exists between Arthur and...Gwen...

..You must destroy it.

You startled me!

-You're up early this morning.

-I couldn't sleep.

-I went for a walk.

-Did you want to change?

No.

Have you spoken to Arthur recently?

I saw him yesterday in the market.

It must be hard...

What's that?

Hiding your feelings for him.

I'm not sure what you mean.

I know how you feel about Arthur, and how he feels about you.

Do you deny it?

It's such a shame you can't be more open

about your feelings for each other.

If you'll excuse me, my lady.

What news from the Northern Borders?

There have been a number of minor skirmishes.

Do you think Odin is testing our defences?

Arthur, are you listening?

What's that?

What on earth is wrong with you?!

Nothing. Sorry.

-Morgana.

-Arthur, am I disturbing you?

No. Come in.

To what do I owe this pleasure?

I was worried about you. You weren't yourself at dinner.

Just a bit tired.

Really?

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 you're talking about.

Oh, come on, Arthur. Why can't 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 has feelings for you.

-Has she said something?

She speaks of you all the time.

What did she say?

You're already arrogant enough. I will flatter you no further.

Poor girl, I fear she doesn't know what to do with herself

when she's around you.

She's not alone.

I have such feelings for her,

and yet I know nothing can ever come of them.

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

Cos she's a servant.

My father would have me marry for the good of the kingdom.

Uther knows nothing of love.

You are the future king.

You must set your own rules.

Besides, he doesn't have to find out.

You should spend some time with Gwen.

I know she'd like that.

Arthur wishes to spend the day with me?

I thought you'd be happy.

It isn't that simple.

If anyone were to find out... What if someone sees us?

I'll take you to meet him outside the city.

Arthur's willing to take the risk, if you are.

-Should I tell him you won't meet him?

-No.

Forget he's Prince Arthur and that he can be a spoilt, arrogant brat.

-Merlin...

-Sorry.

-You like him?

-Yes.

-And he likes you?

-Mmm-hmm.

Isn't that all that really matters?

-I suppose it is.

-Then I will come back in the morning.

-Will there be anything else?

-No. That'll be all.

I was hoping it might be possible to be relieved of my duties tomorrow?

Really?

And why is that?

I feel I am sickening with a fever.

Of course.

Thank you.

KNOCK ON DOOR

What?

You look lovely.

MERLIN AND GWEN GIGGLE

MERLIN GIVES BIRD CALL

Guinevere, you look...

I think he's trying to say you look nice.

Thank you, Merlin. That will be all.

Have fun.

It's such a beautiful day.

I was wondering if you might join me for a ride?

I have council matters to attend to.

It's just I get to spend so little time with you these days.

Time together's...

..So precious to me.

You're right.

We don't spend enough time together.

The council can wait.

You are not here as a servant.

It feels different, doesn't it?

Being away from Camelot.

I love Camelot more than I can say,

but when I'm there...

..Sometimes I...

..Feel I can hardly breathe, everyone expects so much of me.

Being here, with you...

I can be myself.

I like that, you being yourself.

-Sometimes I dream of leaving Camelot...

-Really?

Where would you go?

I don't know.

Somewhere where nobody knew who I was.

I'd get some land and become a farmer.

I can hardly see you toiling away in the fields all day.

I'd take Merlin. He can do all the hard work.

I'm sure he'd love that(!)

Thank you.

I'm glad you persuaded me to come. We must do this again.

I'd like that very much.

Come on, I'll race you.

We should be heading back to Camelot soon.

We can stay a while longer.

Don't know when we'll have the chance to do this again.

Perhaps when you become a farmer, we can be together more often.

That's just a dream.

I fear I will never leave Camelot.

Stay still.

(Is it bandits?)

SHE GASPS

A wasp.

Arthur!

-I thought you'd be furious.

-I was young once.

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

No serious harm has been done.

I can't allow it to continue, obviously.

-What're you talking about?

-You can never see this girl again.

What does it matter that Guinevere is a servant?

The survival of Camelot depends on

forging an alliance through your marriage.

But I can't marry someone who I don't have feelings for...

-Your first duty is to Camelot.

-I care about her...

I cannot allow this. I forbid it.

You can't forbid my feelings any more than I can.

I won't deny them any longer. I love her.

I love Guinevere.

You leave me no choice. She is banished from the city.

-You can't do that.

-She has three days to leave. To return is on pain of death.

She has nowhere to go!

-Her life is in Camelot.

-You have caused this to happen, Arthur.

My decision is final.

Please. Do not banish her.

I give you my solemn word that I'll never see her again.

You have made it clear to me

-that you CANNOT control your feelings for this girl.

-No!

This is for your own good.

How did Uther know where to find you?

I don't know. You were the only one who knew where we were.

I didn't tell him.

Maybe something you said gave it away.

I didn't say anything.

You couldn't keep a secret if your life depended upon it!

You'd be surprised.

What's that supposed to mean?

Nothing.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

Leave us, Merlin.

Arthur, I heard what happened. I can't tell you how sorry I am.

-It's all my fault.

-You're not to blame.

I can't accept that I may never see her again.

Uther has banished her?

-Surely you have no choice?

-There are always choices.

What will you do?

I'll leave with her.

You're leaving Camelot?

You'd give up your rights to the throne?

One day, we will return to Camelot together,

and Guinevere will take her place on the throne beside me.

There is so much to do.

I'll have to sell everything I can't take with me...

And, of course, I need to find a new maid for Morgana...

-Gwen...

-D'you know anyone suitable?

Gwen. Stop it.

Where will you go?

I don't know.

I've spent my whole life in Camelot.

It's all I know.

Everything I care about is here.

I have nothing else...

I'll think of something.

I promise.

KNOCK ON DOOR

Enter.

Morgana.

I was concerned about you, My Lord.

You weren't at dinner?

I have no appetite.

You're worried about Arthur?

I do not understand his feelings for this girl. She's...a servant.

It is strange that...

What?

Arthur tells me everything

and he's never expressed any feelings for Gwen,

and suddenly he's declaring his love for her.

What are you saying, Morgana?

-I'm sure there's an explanation...

-Speak your mind.

You yourself have noticed Arthur's strange mood.

It's almost as though he's... been enchanted.

What's going on?

-My father has ordered my chambers to be searched.

-What for?

You think I have a girl hiding in there?!

What's that?

Is it magical?

I believe so. These are the symbols of the old religion.

Could it be used to cast an enchantment?

That would be one use of such a poultice.

Could it cause someone to fall in love?

That's entirely possible. May I ask where it was found?

It was discovered in Arthur's chambers.

Find Morgana's maid and bring her to me immediately.

What is it, Merlin?

I just saw some guards dragging Gwen into the palace.

Do you recognise it?

-I've never seen it before in my life.

-Really?

I believe you planted it in Arthur's chambers to enchant him.

That's not true.

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

My Lord. 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.

DOORS OPEN

What is the meaning of this?

This poultice was found under your pillow.

It's a love charm. You are under its spell.

-Ridiculous.

-What would you know?

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

Can you tell me how it came to be in your room?

I don't know, but I don't believe Guinevere put it there.

Until its spell is broken, I can't take anything you say as the truth.

Her father consorted with sorcerers.

My father was a good and innocent man, and you executed him.

-So you would seek your revenge by enchanting my son?!

-No!

My Lord, whatever this poultice is,

I don't believe that Gwen is responsible for magic.

I don't care what you believe, Gaius! Arthur is under her spell.

It's the only rational explanation for his behaviour.

Father, see reason. Gwen's done nothing wrong.

She has been found guilty of using magic and enchantments.

She will be burnt at the stake.

-No!

-Restrain him.

You can't do this!

My Lord! At least give Gwen a fair trial.

I have all the evidence I need.

I'm begging you.

We will leave Camelot and never return. Just let us go.

I relinquish my entitlement to the throne.

My son would never do that.

It is proof beyond doubt that you are enchanted.

I will never forgive you for this.

The enchantment will be broken.

You'll see I was right.

Take her away.

No! Guinevere!

Arthur!

-Arthur!

-No!

I will always love you.

BELL TOLLS

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

We need to find a way to smuggle Gwen out of Camelot.

My father has me under constant watch.

There are guards outside, and below in the square.

I can't watch her die, Merlin.

-I thought you might be hungry.

-I can't even think of eating.

How is Arthur?

He wants me to let you know that he will do everything he can

to convince Uther that you are innocent.

He won't stop until you are released.

You and I both know that Uther will not change his mind.

When I am gone, will you take care of him for me?

-You can't give up hope. There is still time.

-To do what?

We need to find the person who really planted the poultice.

Do you have any idea who it might have been?

What is it?

After I was sentenced to death, I was being lead out,

I looked back - I swear Morgana was smiling.

-You probably think I'm mad.

-No, I...

-FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

-I don't doubt what you saw.

-I can no longer trust her.

I've started to wonder if it wasn't a coincidence

that Uther and Morgana found us in the woods.

'Morgana?'

Uther will never believe that Morgana's responsible.

Perhaps Arthur will talk him round.

Uther thinks Arthur's enchanted.

Anything that Arthur does is going to strengthen that belief.

I fear that's not going to save Gwen.

If we can't expose the true sorcerer...

..then we must invent one.

Huh?

MERLIN STIFLES LAUGHTER

What if a sorcerer was caught

planting an identical poultice in Arthur's chambers?

Uther would have no choice but to release Gwen.

And do you know of a sorcerer

who's stupid enough to get caught doing such a thing?

Me.

See, if I disguise myself, it won't matter if I'm caught -

I can use magic to escape and then just change back into myself.

They'll think the sorcerer has just vanished into thin air.

No matter how you disguise yourself, I fear Arthur will recognise you.

-Not if I'm...

-SHAKY VOICE:

-..80 years old.

An ageing spell?

Merlin, ageing spells are notoriously difficult

and unpredictable.

If the spell doesn't hold, you'll be exposed.

If I don't act, Gwen'll die and I won't let that happen.

Can you make a poultice identical to the one found in Arthur's chambers?

I believe so.

HE CASTS A SPELL IN DIALECT

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Huh...

-Huh...

-HE LAUGHS

You know me better than anyone, Gaius. Would you recognise me?

There is something of you in the eyes...

..But perhaps that's just because I know it's you.

I can't believe...

that one day I'll actually look like this.

Ooh...

HE GROANS

HE EXHALES LOUDLY

I ache...all over.

Ah, well, now you know how I feel.

You'll be needing this.

HE CHANTS IN DIALECT

Show yourself.

Who are you?

I am...

..Dragoon the Great!

Is it you who planted the poultice in my bed?

You have caught me red-handed.

I have no choice but to confess.

An innocent girl almost died because of your actions.

Your father will have to release her now that you've caught me.

I should run you through where you stand.

I really wouldn't do that if I were you, because if you do that...

..You will never learn of my plan.

-What plan?

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

Have we met?

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

-Your eyes? We've met somewhere before.

-Me? No!

HE CASTS A SPELL IN DIALECT

Guards!

HE CASTS A SPELL IN DIALECT

HE PANTS

< He went this way!

HE CASTS A SPELL IN DIALECT

There he is!

Seize him.

Father...

Arthur.

-Who is this?

-HE is the sorcerer.

I found him placing this under my pillow.

Is this true?

Yes.

What did you hope to achieve with this...enchantment?

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?

You have wronged so many people...

..in so many ways.

You're blinded by your hatred of magic.

You have tortured and executed innocent people.

You, Uther Pendragon, are a stupid, arrogant, old tyrant!

Hold your tongue!

And you. Oh, I have heard how you...

..Mistreat your servants!

They do everything for you, but do they ever get any thanks? No!

You are a spoilt, arrogant brat, with the brains of a donkey

-and the face...

-HE COUGHS

..Of a toad!

The serving girl - she is your accomplice?

I enchanted her, too.

The girl is entirely innocent.

My Lord, he has confessed.

Release the girl.

Tomorrow at dawn you will take her place on the pyre.

Take him away.

Do you know that man, Gaius?

I've never seen him before.

Is there something troubling you, Morgana?

I would have thought you'd be relieved

that the true culprit has been found?

Of course I am.

Gaius...

Have you seen Merlin? I can't find him anywhere.

I think he said he was going to spend the day in the tavern.

Oh, did he? Well, we'll see about that.

Merlin...

What happened?

-TEARFULLY:

-I can't break the spell, Gaius.

It's too powerful.

-You'll have to try again.

-I have tried. It's no good.

I'm stuck like this.

Not for long. Uther will have you burnt at the stake.

There must be another way to break the spell.

There's only one thing I can think of.

What is it?

In the Book of Gallah,

there's an antidote that can undo such aging spells.

How long will it take to make this antidote?

Longer than I fear you have. Buy as much time as you can.

How do I do that?

Merlin, I have no idea.

BELL TOLLS

It's time.

Wait!

What is it?

There are other crimes I wish to confess.

HE SNIGGERS

What difference does it make?

You have been found guilty of using magic and enchantments.

Let this serve as a lesson to all those who seek to destroy Camelot.

A curse upon you all!

I will have my revenge!

-Are you all right, Gaius?

-I'm fine, Arthur.

HE CASTS A SPELL IN DIALECT

CROWD YELLS

After him!

VOICES CALL OUT

-Merlin? Where's the sorcerer?

-IN SORCERER'S VOICE:

-He w-w-went...

Um... He went that way.

Sound the warning bell, search the entire palace. I want him found.

Are you telling me you let him run straight past you?

He was...too fast for me.

He's a doddery old man.

-This is what happens when you spend all day in the tavern.

-What?!

Perhaps mucking out my horses will help sober you up.

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

Gwen...

I can't tell you how relieved I am that you've been pardoned.

I begged Uther to release you, but...

-he wouldn't listen to reason.

-I'm sure you did all you could.

I...

-SHE GASPS

-Sorry.

I didn't mean to startle you.

Now, my father believes that my feelings for you

are a result of an enchantment.

If he is to see any sign that that isn't the case,

then he will banish you from Camelot.

And are your feelings for me the result of an enchantment?

Well, we both know that's a lie.

But I think 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?

I still would.

Your place is here, in Camelot.

-My place is with you.

-This isn't just about us.

You must stay for the sake of your people. You will be a great king.

And then you can change these ridiculous customs.

I promise you that when I am king things will be different.

We can be together.

I will count the days until then.

DOOR OPENS

I should go.

Ah, Merlin.

It's good to see you looking like your old self.

-Covered in horse dung?

-Precisely!

Arthur seems to think I spent the day in the tavern.

I don't suppose you, eh... you know where he got that idea?

I really can't imagine.

Oh, and, Merlin...

..You might want to take a bath.

MERLIN SNIFFS, COUGHS

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd