SGE: Hidden Secrets

A Darn Good Confession

The sun was setting. Agatha had had only gone to Merlin's cave with a guide, so she didn't find her way easily. The cave was hidden deep in the forest, where the path was covered with leaves. And it was getting dark. All the concepts of a perfect ambush, losing her way, or even death. She went deeper into the forest. All the way towards the cave, she felt like she was being watched. After half an hour or so later, she found the cave.

Agatha felt relief flow through her veins as she walked closer toward the cave. Sure enough, Merlin was there, getting ready to go to the castle. He spotted Agatha and showed a confused face.

"May I come in?"
"Of course, of course. Say, why are you here? You do know that this is the time I usually go to the castle for dinner. You could have just wait for me there."
"I needed sometime alone. Sophie came you know."
"I know. I escorted her to your room."
"Did you see how she looked? She was looking sickly herself." Agatha said.
"I saw her. Wait, are you saying you think they are doing the same thing that caused the sickness?" Merlin exclaimed.
A rustle came from a nearby bush. Finger ready, Merlin pointed it towards the shrub. The attacker jumped out, revealing his identity. "Sorry for following you Agatha." Hort apologized. His witty little smirk came up, seeing the wizard. He and Merlin shook hands. "Another confession, eh Agatha?"

Agatha sighed and continued.
"Hort, you saw my behavior up there, in my room. I was afraid. Most of the time up there, I was faking it. The smiles and whatever. I was afraid. I always have this nightmare that they are..." Agatha gulped. "Together." She finished with a shiver up her spine. She immediately regretted what she said. She looked at Hort and Merlin. Hort gaped at her. Merlin was thinking, touching his chin. (His beard was shaved off, remember?)

The bell tower rang, which meant dinner. Merlin nodded, and escorted Agatha and Hort towards the castle, face in a thinking look. When they arrived at the dinner table, everyone was there, except Tedros who was being fed by a servant, and were already eating. The tardiness of the queen and the presence of Hort beside her, startled everybody. Agatha avoided all this, grateful Tedros wasn't seeing this. Merlin continued staring into space, even after he had been seated.

Lancelot and Guinevere were beside each other, the coven beside them, Sophie across Hester. Agatha took her seat at the head of the table, Merlin across her. Hort was in front of Guinevere. As Agatha started eating, she noticed Merlin had not. Merlin was the only one who hasn't started. After a few minuets, Merlin's plate still empty, she asked if he and Agatha can be excused. Agatha stood up, confused and followed Merlin.

"What?" She asked as soon as everybody was out of earshot. Merlin was still silent all the way. He escorted her to room near Lancelot's and Guinevere's, one with a mahogany door. "What's this?" Agatha asked.

"This is where Tedros used to hide from me when we played hide and seek." Merlin answered while opening the door. It was a small room, with favorites covered in sheets. It looked old and dusty. Agatha found a nook concealed behind furniture. It was the perfect hiding spot.

"Come here at your will." Merlin said. He handed out a rusty, gold key to Agatha. Agatha took it, and hid it in her boot.
"Peculiar." Merlin said. He left the room, leaving Agatha alone in her new hiding spot.