Magus required many strange things from Arthur. She instructed him to distance himself from Merlin, very slowly. To make it seem as if he didn't care about her.

Next, she commanded him to say some things he would never usually say to Merlin, even if he was angry at her, when the time came. He would know when to say them when she would kiss him on the ear. He did not like the sound of that.

It got even worse. Arthur knew something terrible was going to happen when the sorceress asked him to do something.

"Take off your shirt," she commanded. He complied. "Get in your bed."

He did as she said, thoughts only of Merlin. Her smile, her voice, her charm. He sorely missed her after Magus demanded he stay away from her for a while. But he always remembered why he was doing this. For Merlin.

"This might seem odd," said Magus. "But remember, it is to help your wife conceive. And keep in mind your vow."

Arthur nodded. Magus then removed her outer dress and striped down to her under clothes. The king really didn't like where this was going. She got in bed with him, and he froze. Suddenly, she smashed her face into his, not exactly kissing, but creating the illusion of it.

Merlin, thought Arthur, Merlin, forgive me!

(((((((((((0))))))))))))

"Yes, Merlin, you are," said Gauis. Merlin froze. Had she heard right?

By the physician's face, she knew he was not lying. "Gauis…." She started. The old man's face broke out into a grin.

"Merlin, I've looked into it," he said, proudly. "You know of your…er, internal condition and how the fetus must connect. I've found a way."

"To make the fetus connect? How?"

"Well," said Gauis, in his almost-lecture voice. "Your magic will help it connect, and all you need is something to jumpstart it. A strong emotion will do that."

"What type?" asked Merlin, almost letting her heart leap. This, her having a baby, might actually happen.

"Any will do," said the physician. "I'll research it some more. You should go see Arthur."

She brightened up. "Yes, of course! He'll be thrilled!" She turned to walk out, but turned. "Gauis, thank you. You'll make an excellent grandfather."

Merlin knew the old physician's heart swelled at that, by the look on his face. She then turned to go tell Arthur the joyful news. He had been distant in the few weeks, but news like this would surly bring them closer. Unable to help herself, Merlin ran the whole way there.

"Arthur!" she cried as she walked in, of course without knocking. Her mood was so good, that nothing could dampen it. Nothing, except the sight in front of her.

"Arthur," she whispered, eyes filling with tears. "How-how-"

"How could he?" asked the girl on top of her husband. Arthur was naked (as far as she could tell. His chest was bare as were his legs; his middle was covered by sheets.) as was the girl (who really was in nightclothes, but they were nearly see-through, so she basically was). Merlin had walked in just as the two had been passionately kissing.

"He needs an heir," said the girl cruelly, smirk on her face. "He needs someone who can give him what he deserves. He deserves a real woman."

"Arthur-" Merlin started, tears flowing. The king sat up, sheets still covering him. The girl pressed a kiss to his ear (in which she whispered, "Remember your vow!" but Merlin did not hear).

"Merlin," said Arthur, face clean of emotion. "I have found another."

Her face was pure heartbreak.

"I no longer love you, or have need of you," he continued, stoic. "I wish for you to leave Camelot."

"After-after, all we've been through?!" Merlin managed out.

Arthur stoic mask turned to a glare. "You lied to me in most of that time, not trusting me with your secret. Admit it, you've never loved me."

Merlin face turned to pure rage. Something clicked in her and she felt a warmth in her stomach. However, she paid no attention to it, but rather than to the king. "You dare-"

"I dare, because I am king," he said, voice deadly. "You forget what you are; a warlock. A monster; a freak!"

Merlin trembled in rage. "Arthur Pen-"

"Merlin Emrys, I banish you from Camelot."

Many things happened after that sentence. Part of what Morgana saw in her vision came true, Merlin's heart shattered to a million pieces, and most relevant of all, the warlock fled.

((((((((((((0)))))))))))))

Arthur watched Merlin run from the room, intending to go after her, to explain it had all been a setup; to make her feel a strong emotion. Magus held him back.

"Do not go after her, Arthur Pendragon," she said solemnly.

"Why not?" he asked sharply. He needed to explain.

"She is already gone."

"I must find her!"

"Arthur Pendragon," started Magus again, "She is gone; used a teleportation spell. She will not want to see you, anyways."

"I must find her!" Arthur yelled. "I need to explain!"

"She will not listen!" snapped Magus. "Her heart is broken beyond mend. She may not know it now, but she hates you. You destroyed her. Seeing you in bed with someone was not as painful of what you have said!"

"You made me say it!" roared Arthur.

"Emrys has always feared of banishment, being shunned by those she loves. She has always feared that her magic makes her a monster, not even worthy to live. Your voice said those things; she will not forgive you," said the sorceress with an even voice.

"You-you knew this would happen!" he accused.

She bowed her head. "I will not deny it. If it is any condolence, Emrys is now with child."

Arthur sucked in a breath. "I now really need to find her."

"No," said Magus. "You will not."

"Why?! She's my Merlin!"

"Emrys needs to see the horrors of the world."

Somewhere, Merlin appeared in a dark forest, in the middle of the night.

"To see the darkness."

Huge creatures came out from all around; this was no ordinary forest.

"To know true hate."

The creatures got closer and the warlock could see eight long hairy, legs on each of them.

"To see the light."

Out of nowhere, an orb of light appeared, scaring the giant arachnids.

"To find her rightful place in the world."

Merlin started to run.

"To know true heartbreak."

Something was pursuing her.

"To taste fear."

She ran faster, but the thing caught her. Merlin felt a sharp sting in her back, just above the scar of the Serket sting. She knew no more.

"And to survive death," concluded the sorceress.

"I do not care what you say," said Arthur, voice deadly. "I will find my Merlin."

Magus laughed. "Good luck. You're chasing after something that does not want to be found."