KILGHARRAH
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.
--
[00:19, INT. GAWANT CASTLE, NURSERY - DAY]
[A Sidhe enters the nursery where a baby sleeps peacefully in a cradle.]
SIDHE ELDER
Attrab i n-ingin-seo ocus oentaig lé!
[The baby's face glows blue. She wakes and begins crying.]
--
20 years later...
[01:41, INT. GAWANT CASTLE, PRINCESS ELENA'S CHAMBER - DAY]
[Princess Elena walks about barefoot, picks her teeth, farts, and chews an apple with her mouth open. She comes down drawbridge and greets her father with a kiss.]
LORD GODWYN
Oh, come on, we're going to be late!
PRINCESS ELENA
Not if you get rid of that thing.
[Elena points at the carriage.]
LORD GODWYN
I want you to arrive like the princess you are.
PRINCESS ELENA
It's no fun in there.
GRUNHILDA
Fun? Who said anything about fun? Certainly no fun chasing after you. I tried, sir.
LORD GODWYN
I'm sure you did, Grunhilda.
[Grunhilda places shoes in front of Elena. Elena's jaw drops.]
GRUNHILDA
Go on then.
[Lord Godwyn nods to the shoes.]
PRINCESS ELENA
Ugh.
[Elena squeezes her feet into the shoes painfully.]
GRUNHILDA
Perfect.
PRINCESS ELENA
Perfect for what? Certainly not for walking in.
GRUNHILDA
Elena.
--
[02:49, INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY]
[Uther, Arthur, and Merlin approach the dais.]
UTHER
Arthur. It is an exciting day.
ARTHUR
The arrival of Lord Godwyn is always a cause for celebration.
UTHER
And Princess Elena.
ARTHUR
Yes.
UTHER
I hear she's something of a beauty.
ARTHUR
Really?
UTHER
Oh, yes. Beautiful, charming, witty. Strategic.
ARTHUR
Strategic?
UTHER
I have always thought so. W-we have always thought so. That is, Lord Godwyn and myself. That is, he finds you strategic, not Princess Elena.
ARTHUR
He finds me strategic?
UTHER
Oh, yes.
ARTHUR
And beautiful?
[Throne Room doors open. Godwyn, Elena, and Grunhilda enter.]
ARTHUR
Father, what are you trying to say?
UTHER
Lord Godwyn is a serious ally. The strength of such a match cannot be underestimated.
ARTHUR
Please tell me you mean a jousting match.
UTHER
I mean a love match.
ARTHUR
Love?!
UTHER
Not love. Love has nothing to do with it, but the other bit. You know, a permanent union.
ARTHUR
Marriage?!
UTHER
I knew you would understand. Godwyn!
[Uther and Godwyn hug.]
LORD GODWYN
Oh, it's been too long.
UTHER
Princess Elena, you are most welcome.
[Elena walks forward and falls flat on her face, Merlin and Arthur looks down.]
OPENING CREDITS
--
[04:08, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHOENIX CORRIDOR - DAY]
[Arthur and Gwen walk down the corridor, followed by Merlin with the bags.]
ARTHUR
You put them in the best guest quarters?
GWEN
Everything's arranged. Princess Elena can't fail to be impressed.
ARTHUR
And Merlin, it would be good if the bags were to arrive before they did.
[Merlin pushes past.]
GWEN
What is it, Arthur? You seem troubled.
ARTHUR
My, er, my father had some surprising news for me. He expects me to marry Princess Elena.
GWEN
Marry?
ARTHUR
Oh, don't worry, I'm not going to.
GWEN
I wasn't worried.
ARTHUR
No. No, why would you be?
--
[04:48, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Arthur prepares for bed.]
ARTHUR
It's strange, isn't it? Elena couldn't be more different to Lord Godwyn.
MERLIN
Yeah. Perhaps she takes after her mother.
ARTHUR
I never met her. She died when Elena was born.
MERLIN
That can't've been easy. Perhaps you've more in common than you think. Augh, bad breath for example.
ARTHUR
Excuse me?
MERLIN
Appalling table manners.
ARTHUR
Er, now, hang on a minute.
MERLIN
Good sense of humour. No, no, you're right, you've nothing in common.
[Arthur tosses pillow at Merlin. Merlin ducks and the pillow lands at Uther's feet as he enters.]
UTHER
A word... Alone.
[Merlin nods, picks up the pillow and leaves.]
UTHER
I need to talk to you about Elena. I realise that this is a delicate situation.
ARTHUR
There's nothing delicate about it.
UTHER
Lord Godwyn, as you know, is not only a very good friend of mine, but a longstanding ally of Camelot.
ARTHUR
I have nothing against Lord Godwyn. I've nothing against Elena. Except marriage.
UTHER
When we talk about your future, Arthur, we're not just talking about your happiness, but the safety and security of the whole of Camelot. You may one day be a husband, but more importantly, you will one day be King.
ARTHUR
But I have no feelings for her whatsoever.
UTHER
Then I would encourage you find some.
--
[06:20, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Elena wails in her sleep.]
GRUNHILDA
There, there, my sweet. Soon all this will pass.
[Grunhilda pulls out pixie dust and sprinkles it on Elena's face, revealing the Sidhe within.]
--
[07:18, EXT. LAKE IN THE WOODS - NIGHT]
[Grunhilda heads to forest lake and announces herself.]
GRUNHILDA
A shruith inn Side, is Grunilda messe!
[The Sidhe appear and Grunhilda takes her true form.]
SIDHE ELDER
I sincerely hope you bring me good news.
GRUNHILDA
The fathers are committed to the match.
SIDHE ELDER
We have waited many years for this moment.
GRUNHILDA
It's only a matter of time, your esteemed majesty. You have been most patient, your esteemed majesty.
SIDHE ELDER
And the girl?
GRUNHILDA
She has no idea that a fairy lives inside her just waiting emerge.
SIDHE ELDER
But that cannot happen until her marriage to Arthur is complete.
GRUNHILDA
And it will be soon, I promise. Then you will have what you most desire, one of your own at the heart of Camelot. A Sidhe for queen.
--
[09:06, EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE.]
[Arthur prepares to go out riding. Elena approaches her horse.]
ARTHUR
Here, let me assist you.
PRINCESS ELENA
Oh, please, this is something I can actually do.
[Elena mounts and nudges her horse into a run. Merlin and Arthur watch her take off until Arthur realises he should follow. Arthur mounts his horse and takes off after her, catching up to her in the woods.]
ARTHUR
Slow down!
PRINCESS ELENA
No chance!
[Arthur smiles.]
--
[09:42, EXT. FOREST, STREAM - DAY]
[Arthur dismounts where Elena has dismounted by a stream.]
ARTHUR
That was very impressive. I'm not easily impressed.
PRINCESS ELENA
Oh. Well, neither am I. And I wasn't!
[Elena laughs, snorts, and punches him in the arm. Awkward silence.]
PRINCESS ELENA
I've been riding since I was a child. I don't get to do it as much as I'd like, princesses don't, but apparently my mother was an excellent horsewoman. I never met her.
ARTHUR
I never met mine either. I...often wonder if I'm like her. I hope I don't take after my father entirely.
PRINCESS ELENA
Oh, you don't! I don't mean that in, in a bad way.
[Arthur laughs awkwardly.]
ARTHUR
Er...so, the real reason why you beat me here is because I stopped to smell the roses.
[Arthur pulls out a large pink rose.]
PRINCESS ELENA
Aww, thank you. It, it, it's beautiful.
[Elena sniffs the rose and sneezes on Arthur. He smiles/grimaces awkwardly. Merlin arrives.]
MERLIN
Shall I set up here?
ARTHUR
Merlin! What kept you? [undertone.] Do not leave me again.
MERLIN
You were riding so fast. I thought you were eager for some [whisper.] time alone.
ARTHUR
Nobody likes a clever clogs, Merlin.
MERLIN (shakes head)
No.
--
[11:16, EXT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - DAY]
[Arthur and Elena return to the castle and dismount.]
PRINCESS ELENA
Thank you. I had a lovely time.
ARTHUR
Me too.
[Elena hugs him awkwardly.]
PRINCESS ELENA
See you soon I expect.
ARTHUR
I hope so.
[Elena walks up the stairs and trips. Arthur jerks forward for a moment to help her. Elena smiles sheepishly before tromping up the steps.]
MERLIN
Oh dear.
ARTHUR
For once, Merlin, I completely agree.
--
[11:57, INT. KING’S PALACE, BANQUET HALL - NIGHT]
[Arthur stands behind his chair and waits for Elena to be seated before sitting down at the feast.]
LORD GODWYN
It's a big occasion. The total joining of our two families.
UTHER
Indeed, this union would cement what has long been an unofficial alliance between our kingdoms.
LORD GODWYN
It would give me great pleasure. I can assure you, my heart lies with yours. As for their hearts, who can say?
UTHER
No matter. The affairs of state take precedence over feelings. Arthur knows that. I'm sure Elena does too.
[Grunhilda sits next to Gaius.]
GRUNHILDA
May I? You've been avoiding my gaze.
GAIUS
No, no. Er...my gaze isn't as sharp as it used to be.
GRUNHILDA
That's why I thought I'd move a bit closer. All the better to appreciate me, eh? (laughs)
[Gaius laughs uncomfortably.]
GAIUS
Are you having a good evening?
GRUNHILDA
I intend to. Oh, yeah. A very good evening, indeed.
[Elena finds food down her dress, picks it out and eats it as Morgana, Arthur, and Gwen look on.]
PRINCESS ELENA
- hic* Oh dear. I seem to have, erm...had a little too much *hic* of what is in that glass. *hic* What, erm...what is in that glass? *hic*
[Gwen and Arthur share an "oh, dear" look. Gwen squeezes his shoulder as she leaves.]
-- [13:14, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Grunhilda brushes Elena's hair before bed.]
PRINCESS ELENA
I think that went okay, don't you?
GRUNHILDA
Oh, you'll be just fine, Petal.
PRINCESS ELENA
I mean, I suppose it could've gone better. I'm not the perfect princess, am I?
GRUNHILDA
Poppycock. And what does that mean, anyway, "Perfect princess"? Sounds perfectly boring. You've got spirit, child. If Arthur's got half a brain, he'll recognise that. And if he doesn't have a brain, well, you can always him for his brawn. (laughs)
PRINCESS ELENA
I want to make this work for Father's sake. I know how important it is to him, and I respect his judgment. Don't tell him I said that.
GRUNHILDA
I wouldn't dream of it. And you'd be best keep your doubts to yourself. These are dangerous times. Marrying a Pendragon will secure your future.
PRINCESS ELENA
You're right.
GRUNHILDA
Here. This'll cheer you up!
[Grunhilda presents Elena a box with a frog inside.]
PRINCESS ELENA
Our little secret!
[Elena eats the live frog.]
GRUNHILDA
You're very special. Believe me, I know.
-- [14:47, EXT. FOREST - DAY] [Merlin sees Grunhilda walking off while he's gathering herbs. He follows her and uses magic to slow time so he can see her catching flies with her frog tongue. Merlin drops the herbs and runs away.]
-- [15:40, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
GAIUS
I've seen some strange tongues in my time. Maybe she was suffering from an infection. Was it discoloured?
MERLIN
Discoloured? Yes.
GAIUS
Brown?
MERLIN
Purple. And...long. Like...
[Merlin picks up large stick from the table.]
MERLIN
...this long.
GAIUS
That's not an infection.
MERLIN
No. It's magic. Some sort of magical creature has infiltrated Lord Godwyn's household. The question is: why?
GAIUS
I don't know. But I have a feeling we should probably find out.
-- [16:14, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - DAY] [Gaius snoops around and discovers Grunhilda's pixie dust. Grunhilda enters.]
GRUNHILDA
Can I help you?
GAIUS
I, erm...
GRUNHILDA
Something you need, perhaps?
GAIUS
I wanted to inquire whether Princess Elena would like a perfume concocting. Essence of lavender, perhaps?
GRUNHILDA
That is a very bad excuse.
GAIUS
Really?
GRUNHILDA
You don't fool me for one minute. You were looking for me.
GAIUS
I was?
GRUNHILDA
I understand. It's alright.
GAIUS
I think probably I should be going.
GRUNHILDA
Elena won't be back for ages. Why don't we make sweet perfume together?
-- [17:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
MERLIN
Pixie dust?
GAIUS
There's no mistaking it. Grunhilda is a pixie. It would explain a thing or two. Pixies have one weakness, which is for...more...distinguished gentlemen.
MERLIN
What are you trying to say?
GAIUS
Grunhilda has shown a certain interest toward me.
MERLIN
She likes you?
[Gaius nods.]
MERLIN
Oh, that is disgusting. Imagine...imagine if she kissed you. Ugh.
GAIUS
Merlin! Pixies are the servants of the Sidhe. To them Elena could be very valuable. I think Elena may be a changeling.
MERLIN
Changeling?
GAIUS
Inhabited by a fairy at birth. It would explain the clumsiness.
MERLIN
And Elena has no idea this thing's inside of her?
[Gaius shakes his head.]
GAIUS
And when the time comes, it will possess her entirely.
MERLIN
You think that time is now.
GAIUS
The Sidhe live for more than a thousand years. They're a patient people. It may be that they have created this changeling knowing that Lord Godwyn and the House of Pendragon would one day seek unity through marriage. That would give the Sidhe something they want more than anything.
MERLIN
A Sidhe queen.
-- [19:18, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - NIGHT] [Gwen serves the Pendragons at dinner.]
ARTHUR
Father, there is a delicate matter I wish to discuss with you.
UTHER
Your proposal. Excellent! We must make a fuss. Women like that kind of thing, isn't that right, Morgana?
MORGANA (laughs)
I have no idea. I'm delighted to hear the news, though.
UTHER
I couldn't be more thrilled.
MORGANA
She's a wonderful woman.
UTHER
She'll make a wonderful wife.
ARTHUR
No, she won't. Not for me, anyway. Father, I have tried to get to know Elena, but the truth is, I have no feelings for her. I'm, I'm sure she's a wonderful person, but I cannot marry someone I don't love.
UTHER
You can, and you will.
[Arthur looks at Gwen. Gwen looks away, upset. Morgana catches the exchange.]
-- [20:21, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - NIGHT] [Merlin spies on Princess Elena as she wails in her sleep. Grunhilda sprinkles pixie dust on her face and the Sidhe appears. Merlin knocks over the table he's standing on. Grunhilda sees Merlin as he runs off.]
-- [20:47, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
MERLIN
You were right. Poor girl, no wonder she's got a wind problem. You should see what she's got trapped inside her. We have to tell the King.
GAIUS
Merlin, Lord Godwyn is one of Uther's dearest friends. Accusing him of having a Sidhe for a daughter and a pixie for a nurse is not something that can be undertaken lightly.
MERLIN
But Uther wants Arthur to marry her.
GAIUS
Then we don't have much time. We have to find a spell that will force the fairy out of her.
MERLIN
I don't know anything about Sidhe magic.
GAIUS
Then it's time we learned.
[Gaius hands Merlin a book.]
-- [21:25, INT. KING’S PALACE, MORGANA'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Morgana watches Merlin and Arthur in the Square. She smirks when Gwen come in to make the bed.]
MORGANA
I wouldn't like to be in Arthur's shoes.
GWEN
What do you mean?
MORGANA
Forced to marry someone against his will.
GWEN
I don't think he'll marry her if he feels that way.
MORGANA
I know it's hard to believe, but he may not have a choice. Even if it isn't what he wants. Even if his heart belongs to another? Even if she feels the same way. Gwen, we've known each other for too long, I can see it in your eyes. You like him, don't you?
GWEN
No. Don't be silly.
MORGANA
And he likes you.
GWEN
It can never come to anything.
MORGANA
I'd like to think it was possible. But Arthur can't change 200 years of history no matter how much he may want to.
GWEN
I know.
[Gwen leaves. Morgana smirks.]
-- [22:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Merlin and Gaius read through large books.]
MERLIN
I think my brain is going to burst, and my eyes just pop out of their sockets.
GAIUS
Now, don't make a mess over this one.
MERLIN
Why? Is it any more useful than any of the others?
GAIUS
It's the last one we looked at, and by the ancient law of Sod, it must provide the answer.
MERLIN
What?
GAIUS
There is this potion, created long ago by the witches of Marador, which if I am right, will force the fairy out of the girl. (sigh) I've no idea how to make it. I've no idea what a lot of these ingredients are.
[Merlin sighs.]
-- [23:33, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR’S CHAMBERS - DAY] [Arthur opens his door to find Gwen standing there.]
ARTHUR
Guinevere.
GWEN
I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't just turn up like this.
[Arthur walks to the window as Gwen enters.]
GWEN
Everyone's talking about your marriage to Elena. I know you said that it isn't what you wanted, but I also know that you can't always have what you want. I know that very well.
ARTHUR
Is what I want really that insane?
GWEN
Yes, Arthur. From anyone's perspective, apart from yours and mine, it's completely insane.
ARTHUR
Then I'm happy being insane. Surely it's better than being miserable.
GWEN
I don't think she will make you miserable. She has a good heart.
ARTHUR
As do you.
GWEN
We both know it can't be.
ARTHUR
But if I do it. If I marry her, what will you do?
GWEN
I will watch you grow into the King that Camelot deserves. It is as it should be.
--
[24:55, INT. KING’S PALACE, COUNCIL CHAMBER OF DOOM - DAY]
MERLIN
Please tell me you fixed the potion, I have a very bad feeling about this.
GAIUS
Witches of Marador are the worst recipe writers I've known.
MERLIN
Gaius!
GAIUS
I'm working on it. But we need to find the stamen of the Dropwort flower. They're rarer than a four leaf clover.
[Grunhilda pushes Elena down the aisle towards the throne where Arthur is waiting.]
ARTHUR
I am honoured to be standing before you today in the presence of our dear friend, Lord Godwyn, and his wonderful daughter, Elena. The people of this kingdom are very dear to me. This place is my life. I hope one day to continue the good work of my father, and to make Camelot a place of peace and happiness.
[The court applauds.]
ARTHUR
It is my sincerest hope that you, Princess Elena, share these dreams. With this in mind...
[Arthur goes down on one knee.]
ARTHUR
I would like to ask you to do me the honour of being my...wife.
--
[INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - NIGHT]
[Gaius brews a potion. Merlin enters.]
MERLIN
I got it!
[Merlin holds up a flower.]
GAIUS
Grown in boggy and marshy terrain?
MERLIN
In the middle of boggy, marshy terrain. Right in the middle.
[Merlin is covered in mud.]
GAIUS
You did a good job. This'll sort things out. Hopefully before tomorrow's wedding.
MERLIN
Will it hurt her when the fairy leaves?
GAIUS
She'll feel like a new person. She probably doesn't realise how much trouble it's been causing her.
--
[27:02, EXT. LAKE IN THE WOODS - NIGHT]
GRUNHILDA
Oh, master, I am sorry, but I fear we may have a problem. I may be wrong, but you know how things are.
SIDHE ELDER
Out with it!
GRUNHILDA
The serving boy, Merlin, knows Elena is a changeling.
SIDHE ELDER
So? What can a serving boy do?
GRUNHILDA
He is Arthur's serving boy, and you won't expect he will stay quiet for long.
SIDHE ELDER
Do you know how long I have waited for this moment?
GRUNHILDA
Yes, Sire! And I have been there with you every second of the way.
SIDHE ELDER
You have been there because we have chosen to keep you there! If the changeling is discovered, you will not be so useful anymore.
GRUNHILDA
No, Sire.
SIDHE ELDER
As to this Merlin, soon he will regret the day I ever heard his name. Let him learn who he's angered. Let him feel the power of the mighty Sidhe!
-- [INT. KING’S PALACE, MERLIN’S CHAMBER - NIGHT] [Sidhe Elder enters while Merlin's asleep. Merlin wakes before the Sidhe Elder attacks him. Merlin pulls out the Tír-Mòr staff and destroys the Sidhe Elder. The bottle of anti-changeling potion is broken in the process.]
MERLIN
Please tell me that wasn't all of it.
-- [29:28, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - DAY] [On the morning of the wedding, Elena lies in bed, belching.]
GRUNHILDA
I don't think I've ever been so happy. I'm almost as excited as if it was my wedding day. In fact, given half a chance, I'd definitely marry him myself.
PRINCESS ELENA
Maybe that's not such a bad idea.
GRUNHILDA
What?
PRINCESS ELENA
I'm serious. I don't love him. He doesn't understand me. He certainly doesn't love me either.
GRUNHILDA
He respects you.
PRINCESS ELENA
Yes, and I him. But is that enough?
GRUNHILDA
Well, yes, definitely. I, I would say it was enough. I mean, what is love anyway? Here today and gone tomorrow. Respect, that's what lasts. Aw, it's just nerves. Understandable, but not to be listened to. Silly girl.
--
[30:20, INT. KING’S PALACE, PHYSICIAN'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Gaius finishes remaking the anti-changeling potion.]
MERLIN
That's it?
[Gaius nods.]
MERLIN (sigh)
Thank goodness for that.
GAIUS
Well, there's one more thing. How are we going to get Elena to drink this with Grunhilda around?
MERLIN
I think I might know a way.
--
[30:41, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Gaius knocks on the door.]
GRUNHILDA
Well, hello there.
GAIUS
Hello, indeed. I wonder, could you spare me a moment?
GRUNHILDA
But of course.
GAIUS
Er, not here. Alone. The vaults beneath Camelot.
GRUNHILDA
The vaults?
GAIUS
It's a very private place.
PRINCESS ELENA
I can't walk in these shoes.
GRUNHILDA
I have a wedding to prepare.
GAIUS
No one will disturb us. There may not be another opportunity.
GRUNHILDA
You surprise me, Gaius. But, oh, what a lovely surprise! I'll be right there.
--
[31:30, INT. KING’S PALACE, VAULTS - DAY]
[Merlin and Gaius wait.]
MERLIN
You look very handsome. Perfect bait.
GAIUS
Merlin, if this doesn't work, if it seems she is overpowering me.
MERLIN
I will just watch and wait.
GAIUS
You will rescue me. And if it does work, let us never speak of it again.
GRUNHILDA
Hello my lover! Oh, what a romantic place. I've been dreaming of this moment.
GAIUS
Me too.
GRUNHILDA
Longing for this time.
GAIUS
Longing.
GRUNHILDA
At last, we two will be as one.
[Grunhilda puckers her lips. Gaius runs out and Merlin magically locks the gate.]
MERLIN
Ne un clyse.
[Grunhilda lashes out her frog tongue and licks Gaius.]
GRUNHILDA
You'll never know what you've missed.
GAIUS
I'll take your word for it.
GRUNHILDA
Atot-oilg, a chomlae!
[Grunhilda fails to magically unlock the gate.]
--
[32:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, CORRIDOR - DAY]
GAIUS
Never speak of it, Merlin. That's what we agreed.
--
[32:57, INT. KING’S PALACE, VAULTS - DAY]
GRUNHILDA
Ar-focraim uait, asndot-roilce!
--
[33:07, INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY]
[Uther greets guests at the wedding.]
UTHER
Welcome, welcome, welcome. It's good to have you here.
--
[33:17, INT. KING’S PALACE, VAULTS - DAY]
GRUNHILDA
Lasa n-uile fil ocum ar-focraim atot-oilg!
[Grunhilda's spell blasts the gate off its hinges.]
--
[33:26, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S CORRIDOR - DAY]
GAIUS
You got your staff. When the Sidhe is released, it might not be very happy.
MERLIN
Don't worry, I'll be ready for it.
GRUNHILDA
You better be ready for me first!
[Merlin hits Grunhilda with staff energy beam, but she gets up.]
MERLIN
I'll see how long I can hold her off, you better be quick.
--
[33:48, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Gaius enters.]
PRINCESS ELENA
Grunhilda?
[Elena peeks around the curtain.]
GAIUS
It's only me.
PRINCESS ELENA
Where has she gone? I'm getting married in less than an hour.
[Elena hears electric popping noises and screams in the corridor.]
PRINCESS ELENA
What was that?
GAIUS
Er...preparation for the wedding. Everybody's very excited. But you must be nervous.
PRINCESS ELENA
I'm a little flustered.
GAIUS
Only to be expected, and just as I thought. I brought you a tonic to calm your nerves.
PRINCESS ELENA
You are very kind.
[Elena opens the bottle and takes a tiny sip.]
PRINCESS ELENA
I cannot believe this is actually my wedding day.
GAIUS
Best to drink it all for the full effect.
PRINCESS ELENA
Oh.
[Elena takes another tiny sip.]
PRINCESS ELENA
I really wish my mother was here.
GAIUS
Try another sip.
[Gaius sits down next to her. Merlin finally kills the pixie with a huge blast of energy, and Grunhilda turns into dust. Merlin charges into Elena's room ready to fight the Sidhe. He gives Gaius a look.]
GAIUS (whisper)
I'm trying.
MERLIN
Elena, this is gonna make you feel a whole lot better!
[Merlin takes the bottle, pinches Elena's nose, and pours the potion into her mouth. Elena passes out and writhes while the Sidhe is forced out. Merlin kills it with the staff energy. Elena wakes and sits up primly.]
GAIUS
Not to worry, my dear. I think you must've fainted. Such excitement!
PRINCESS ELENA
Fainted? I feel...amazing. I haven't felt this good in years! Where is Grunhilda?
MERLIN & GAIUS
We'll look into it.
--
[35:43, INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM ANTECHAMBER - DAY]
[Arthur stands there looking petrified.]
MERLIN
I brought you your ceremonial sword.
ARTHUR
Is that for me to fall on?
MERLIN
Hopefully not. What's wrong?
ARTHUR
You wouldn't understand, Merlin. You have no idea what it's like to have a destiny you can't escape.
MERLIN
Destinies are troublesome things.
[Arthur takes the sword and sheaths it.]
MERLIN
You feel trapped, like your whole life is being planned out for you and you've got no control over anything, and sometimes you don't even know if what destiny decided is really the best thing at all.
ARTHUR
How come you're so knowledgeable?
MERLIN
Hmm? Oh, I read a book.
ARTHUR
What would this book tell you? Should I marry her?
MERLIN
That's not really my place to say so.
ARTHUR
I'm asking you, it's your job to answer.
MERLIN
If you really want to know what I think...
[Arthur gestures for Merlin to go on.]
MERLIN
I think you're mad, I think you're all mad. People should marry for love, not convenience. And if Uther thinks an unhappy king makes for a stronger kingdom, then he's wrong. 'Cause you may be destined to rule Camelot, but you have a choice...as to how you do it.
[Throne Room doors open. Trumpets sound. Arthur walks to the altar.]
--
[37:35, INT. KING’S PALACE, ELENA'S GUEST CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Normalised Elena turns to her father.]
PRINCESS ELENA
What do you think?
LORD GODWYN
Beautiful. No other word for it. Beautiful.
[Elena takes her father's arm.]
--
[37:58, INT. KING’S PALACE, THRONE ROOM - DAY]
[Godwyn leads Elena down the aisle. Arthur takes her hands.]
GEOFFREY
My lords, ladies, and gentlemen of Camelot, we are gathered here today to celebrate the ancient rite of hand-fasting, the union of Arthur Pendragon and Princess Elena of Gawant. Is it your wish, Arthur, to become one with this woman?
ARTHUR
It is.
GEOFFREY
Is it your wish, Elena, to become one with this man?
[Elena looks at her father and then at the floor.]
PRINCESS ELENA
It is.
GEOFFREY
Do any say nay? Then as we gather here today, we are all witness to this rite...
ARTHUR
Wait.
GEOFFREY
There's something you would like to say, Arthur?
ARTHUR
Something I should've said a long time ago. Something from the heart I dare not speak. Elena, you are a wonderful woman, and a beautiful bride, but I cannot deny my feelings.
PRINCESS ELENA
You do not love me.
[Arthur shakes his head.]
ARTHUR
And I think, if you are honest, you do not love me either.
PRINCESS ELENA
No.
ARTHUR
Then we are both here out of duty. Can you forgive me?
PRINCESS ELENA
I agree with all you have said. Thank you, Arthur.
[Gwen holds back tears of joy.]
--
[40:30, INT. KING’S PALACE, ARTHUR'S CHAMBERS - DAY]
[Arthur takes off his crown as he enters, Uther storms in after him.]
UTHER
What did you think you were doing?
ARTHUR
The right thing, Father.
UTHER
For who? For Camelot, or for yourself?
ARTHUR
The two things aren't entirely separate.
UTHER
Until you put duty before your feelings, you are clearly not ready to be King.
ARTHUR
When I am ready to be King, I'll be a much better king for the support and strength of a woman I love.
--
[40:52, INT. KING’S PALACE, MAIN SQUARE - DAY]
[Godwyn and Uther walk down the main steps.]
LORD GODWYN
Can't imagine what's happened to Grunhilda.
UTHER
No. I'm sure she'll turn up.
LORD GODWYN
I hope so. It's most unlike her.
[Arthur and Merlin watch Elena descend the steps into the Square.]
ARTHUR
There's something different about her.
MERLIN
You're not changing your mind, are you?
ARTHUR
Goodness.
[Arthur shakes his head, considers Elena as she walks down the steps, and shakes his head again.]
ARTHUR
No.
PRINCESS ELENA
I wish you well, Arthur Pendragon. I hope one day we both find the love we deserve.
[Elena offers Arthur her hand and he kisses it.]
PRINCESS ELENA
In the meantime, if you ever want to be beaten in a horserace, you know where to find me.
LORD GODWYN
He did the right thing, you know. You mustn't punish him. They were neither of them in love.
UTHER
That's not the point. It's not the way things are done.
LORD GODWYN
Maybe it's time things changed. I think he has the makings of a great king. You should be proud of him.
[Uther and Godwyn embrace.]
--
[42:01, INT. KING’S PALACE, GRIFFIN STAIRCASE - DAY]
[Arthur catches sight of Gwen descending the stairs and walks up to her. Merlin takes off in another direction.]
ARTHUR
So... I'm still a single man.
GWEN
Indeed. I don't think you deserve her, actually. She's really very lovely.
ARTHUR
Mmm... Well, I had hoped to have forsaken her for one equally as lovely. Who knows, perhaps even more so.
GWEN
I do not know of such a person.
ARTHUR
Me neither. But I guess only time will tell.
[Gwen descends the rest of the stairs, Arthur skips to the top.]