Arthur and Gwen were sitting in their chambers on a seemingly normal, bright spring morning admiring the early morning sunlight. The quiet sounds of nature drifted in and out of the open windows. But that peace was soon shattered as suddenly the doors burst open, causing both King and Queen to jump in shock.
"Merlin! What have I told you about knocking before you burst into someone's chambers"
"I'm sorry sire, your highness" Merlin added turning to Gwen then back to the King "But I have important news you will want to hear"
"Oh really? What could be so amazing that means you can march into the royal chambers unannounced?"
"Oh hush, Arthur!" Gwen butted in gently "Give Merlin a chance to actually speak" she smiled fondly at the Sorcerer and friend and nodded for him to continue.
"Thank you, my lady" Merlin bowed, if slightly mockingly, to Gwen "I believe I have found a cure for your infertility"
"W-What?" Gwen and Arthur gasped simultaneously.
"I have found a spell that will reverse the flow of a certain chemical in your body, allowing you to conceive a child"
Both Arthur and Gwen beam widely at Merlin, their eyes twinkling with excitement and relief.
"When can we do this spell of yours?"
"Right now if you would care to follow me to my chambers"
Merlin swivelled on his heels and began to make his way to his chambers with the King and Queen almost skipping (very regally, of course) along behind him. They reached his chambers, Merlin pushed open the door and the royals stepped into the plainly designed and surprisingly simple main room. Merlin picked up the book of magic, opened it at the marked page, and motioned for the couple to come further in. They did so as Merlin walked back over to them and met them in the middle of the room.
"Now, before I start this I must make sure of a few things, please don't be offended by them. Firstly, the spell must be performed on both participants, are you okay with this?"
They both nodded instantly.
"Secondly, the spell will only work if the woman only tries to have children with the man involved... no one else" Merlin said slightly awkwardly but the soft, loving smile in Gwen's eyes as she looked at her husband was answer enough.
"Thirdly, the spell will allow you to have one child and one child alone"
There was a small pause before Merlin continued.
"Next, the pair involved MUST share unstained, pure, true love"
Gwen smiled "That's the one thing we have got" she said surely.
"And finally, as previously mentioned, the couple must be bound together with true love. If this is not so then the spell will turn; the woman will not fall pregnant and the two involved will betray each other for the one they are destined to be with. Their friends will be the first to see it, then their soul mate, next will be themselves, and then finally the other member of the couple involved in this spell. Are you two truly willing to risk this?"
Arthur and Gwen smiled at each other, seemingly positive of their love for each other. Taking that as an answer, Merlin continued.
"Well then, if you would both care to stand and face each other"
The couple turned to face each other.
"Arthur, take Gwen's hands in yours"
Arthur, for once, did as he was told.
"Now, both close your eyes"
The royal's eyes fluttered shut and Merlin repeated the verse he had rehearsed from the book with his hand outstretched towards the couple. His eyes shone brilliant golden before he lowered his hand and the couple opened their eyes.
"Well my Lady, thought of any names?" Merlin joked in his usual, playful way.
Gwen and Arthur laughed before thanking the wondrous Sorcerer and taking their leave. In nine months time, a pair of small feet would be running across the stone floors and silk rugs.
At least, that was what they thought...
