Unbeknownst to Arthur and Merlin, as they explored the depth of Arthur's magical potential, Uther had past by the chamber door, his curiosity piqued by the string of Latin words that were audible through the oak. Unsettled he'd retired to his own chambers shortly after his mind abuzz with the complications this would cause and the potential punishments it required. As he lay beneath his warm covers and watched the sun slowly begin to rise in the castle courtyard he settled on his plan, and as much as it pained him, he knew that he must continue his fight against magic at all costs.

Shortly after dawn, he summoned Arthur and his manservant to the throne room. Shaking slightly as he sat in his ostentatious throne, he began,

"As you both know, this kingdom has experienced twenty years of peace and prosperity after the ban on magic."

"Yes, father" Arthur spoke, while Merlin simply nodded.

"If you are both aware of this fact then why do you seek to destroy Camelot's health?" Arthur and Merlin stood shocked, how could they not have been aware of Uther's presence the previous night?

"The practice of magic cannot go unpunished, thus, your manservant, Arthur, will be burnt at stake. You will receive a lesser fate due to your vitality to the kingdom. I will only remove your powers of Prince of Camelot till you have once more proved your loyalty to the throne and the throne only. Guards! Take the sorcerer away!" As the guards seized Merlin and dragged him from Arthur's side, Arthur cried,

"No! Father! You do not understand!" Tears began to stream down his face as he looked at the terror apparent in Merlin's countenance. He could not help but sob, his heart ached and he felt as if his chain mail lying across it was searing into his flesh, desperate to destroy his humanity. Once Merlin had been removed, Uther began to speak again, his voice growing stronger in his own anger and pain,

"Do not say that I do not understand! I perfectly understand the desire to use magic to better the kingdom but I've tried and failed. Magic cannot be trusted! We must ensure Camelot's survival with only the lives and labour of our men and nothing else. Do not disobey me again in such matters, Arthur, as your blood will not save you a second time." With that Uther left the throne room and Arthur was left alone.

Uther strode down the halls to his chambers, unaware of all those who went by him. Igraine haunted his memory: her brilliant blonde hair that fanned across her back, her brown eyes staring into his own and her pale skin caressing his battle scars, were all saturated in the passing of time, resulting in her being more fiction than fact. Desperate to be alone with his memories he threw open his chamber door and growled for the guards to leave him be.

He perched upon the edge of the bed and buried his head in his hands. A multitude of questions and scenarios ran through his head: What if they'd never used magic to conceive Arthur? Would Arthur not be so inclined to the Old Religion, if they had continued to try naturally? What if Igraine had lived? What would she have done? How could he have been so blind to the manservant's powers? What would happen to the kingdom if Uther had to sentence Arthur to death?

Tears rolled down the old king's cheeks and he smashed his fist into the stone wall beside him. Ignorant of the pain he lay down on his bed and waited for anything to come along: death, distraction, salvation – they were all the same to him. About to give up, a knock came at the door.

"Enter," he said, hiding the emotion in his voice.

"Sire," spoke Gaius as he entered the king's quarters, "I am deeply grieved to hear of what has passed between the prince and his manservant. You must not blame yourself for what has occurred.

"Thank you, Gaius, I appreciate your friendship in such a time. I feel it is only you I can trust in these matters." Gaius nodded his approval but felt guilt writhe through him.

"I have prepared something to help you relax, in case you need a moment away from all that has happened" Gaius said, placing a small vial on the king's bedside table. The king nodded his approval before Gaius spoke again,

"If there is anything else that you require, do not hesitate to ask, sire." As Gaius took his leave, Uther stopped him by asking,

"Do you remember Igraine, Gaius?" With his back still turned Gaius replied,

"I do, sire. Every time I see Prince Arthur." Uther grew silent and Gaius left the king with his thoughts.

Hastily, Uther drank the vial Gaius had left and buried himself under his bed covers. The tasks ahead of him loomed like giants, eager to rip his last shred of humanity from his soul.