Hey I'm back and I'm not dead! Just been super busy with so much going on. And I almost considered giving up on this story, but summary ideas came up. And I just had to put them in this story. So I'm super sorry for the wait. And the story may or may not be continued. Either way, I give you chapter 3. Enjoy.

Chapter 3

Upon escaping from the incident with Charming, the trio remained silent throughout almost the entire ride. It was much too awkward to begin a conversation. Especially in regards to the two in the passenger's seat. Sprig kept to himself and put most of his focus on driving. Leaving Raina and Artie to sort things out amongst themselves, even though neither one of them seemed overly eager about doing so at the moment. Not that they didn't want to speak to each other, they just didn't know where to start. After all they were two dear close friends who hadn't seen or spoken to each other in years and their reunion was woefully interrupted by a pompous madman. Needless to say they were both pretty upset by the whole ordeal.

At one point, Raina decided to break the silence.

"So this ogre Shrek and your cousin Fiona, are you sure they can help?" she asked her tone laced with skepticism.

"Well right now he's our safest bet," Artie reassured, "We can't go back to Far Far Away, Charming will be expecting us. And I have a hunch that he might have something big planned for us. We need all the help we can get and at the moment Shrek is probably one of the few people I can trust."

Although Raina nodded her head in supposed understanding, there were so many things that confused her. But she figured it be best to start off with the primary question.

"So how did you end up in Charming's grasp?" she finally asked.

At that Arthur swallowed. He knew he had that question coming, but he wanted to avoid it. He felt that if he told her what was really going on and why he was away from the kingdom, it would likely hurt her feelings. And after what she'd been through he couldn't do that. And yet he couldn't bring himself to lie to her either, given that she would eventually learn the truth and would be even more upset.

So he gave her an honest enough explanation.

"When we were travelling towards…your direction, Charming ambushed us. He attacked my guards, killed my advisor and I guess knocked me out because I couldn't remember what happened. When I finally came to, I found him sitting in front of me while I was bound. His companion was riding the carriage towards your place. He threatened to hurt you if I didn't cooperate."

It wasn't the full truth, but it wasn't a lie either.

"That's why you didn't say anything back there," Raina deduced.

Arthur nodded.

"Well you should know by now, your highness that I am no damsel in distress," Raina stated in a mock authoritative, "nor do I acquire any protection."

W-well….He….I…And you…..Uh! I just didn't want to see anyone else get hurt, okay?" he stammered a bit, upset from his lack of articulation despite being king. "You don't know what Charming's capable of or what he's done. And if something happened to you…"

"Artie," Raina intervened, putting a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to appease. "It was just a joke. I didn't mean to upset you."

"I know it's just-" Arthur attempted to reassure, though was unable to form the words he wanted to say. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright," she said in a forgiving tone.

The two next to each other in a short period of silence, fidgeting in their seats. Finally Arthur spoke up.

"I was good to see you again Raina," he said giving her a modest smile.

Raina turned towards Arthur and returned the smile with a warm, bubbly feeling on the inside.

"It was good to see you see too." She replied.

"Oh yeah and what am I supposed to be, your handsome, goat-legged designated cabbie?" Sprig interjected comically. "Do my feelings not matter?"

At that Raina and Artie both gave a hearty laugh.

"It was great to you too Sprig," he said to his satyr friend.

After finally having their proper greeting, the trio grew silent once more. Of course they did share some conversation with one another, mostly revolving around Arthur becoming king and his time at Worcestershire Academy. However; the moment Arthur brought Raina's relation to Prince Charming, she almost immediately shut down. Sprig instantly stopped talking, knowing that it wasn't smart to keep pushing on when Raina got quiet. Arthur figured that her relationship with Charming was a touchy subject and he didn't want to upset her. So he kept to himself.

In the midst of the silence, Artie thought back on his capture and conversation with Charming.

Upon traveling several miles away, the disgruntled, young king of Far Far Away traveled with his few sturdy and healthy knights to their destination. The knights circled around the royal luxurious carriage, guarding efficiently. Their horses effortlessly complied with their riders' demands. Inside the carriage was the young King Arthur burrowing his face in his hands in an attempt to hide his disgrace and fear. His advisor attempted to reassure him and tell him that this was the right course of action. But Arthur wouldn't have it.

Suddenly, sounds of a struggle broke out. Starting with a startling neigh from one of the knight's horse. Then the clanking of metal armor, followed by the swooshing sound of an arrow and a pained grunt. The carriage came to an abrupt stop and similar sounds from the rest of the knights followed and multiplied. After cries of pain broke out and horses whinnying in panic, it grew still and silent. Arthur wanted to panic, but he certainly didn't want to sit by and do nothing. He was prepared to go out and see what was going on, until his advisor pulled him back and insisted that he stay.

"Wait here, sire," he urged as he left the carriage to see what was going on, his sword drawn out and ready to defend. Moments later, a blood-curdling scream could be heard then silence.

Arthur swallowed, now he was afraid. Though he knew he wouldn't be any safer if he remained here. And he certainly wouldn't go down without a fight. Swallowing his fear, he drew his sword and raced outthe carriage. There his eyes were met with the bodies of his fallen knights, pierced with sharp poisonous arrows causing their flesh slowly fester and deteriorate. He had backed away from the sight and nearly tripped over the body of his advisor. His throat slit and choking on his own blood. Now Arthur was in full panic mode, whirling around in attempt to ward of any attacker. Suddenly two arrows, came flying in his direction. He managed to dodge one and deflect the other with his sword. Grateful for Lancelot's tutoring. He stayed alert, looking around for any more incoming arrows. But wasn't prepared for the brutal blow to the back of his head, knocking him out and making him lose consciousness.

When he finally came to, he was sitting in a slouched and upright position. There was a jostling motion around him that caused his body to jerk. Followed by the sounds of horses clopping not too far in the distance. He figured or hoped that he was back in the carriage and all that happened was just a bad dream. Though there was only one way to be sure. He slowly willed his eyes open and was met with the familiar sight of the luxurious red carpet underneath his boots. He wanted to sigh in relief, but was met with a throbbing pain in the back of his head. Letting out a soft moan, he attempted to reach back and rub his head. Only to realize that not only could not move his arms, they weren't even by his sides. After a moment of confusion, he found that they were behind his back bound by what felt like coarse rope between his wrists. Then it all came back to him. The attack was real. And here he was bound and at the mercy of his kidnapper.

"Finally awake I see," a voice called out.

Arthur's eyes widened at the familiarity of the voice. Praying that it wasn't who he thought it was. He slowly shot his head up, and was unfortunate enough to be meet with the sight of the diabolical, yet dashing captor. Legs crossed and filing his nails in a nonchalant manner. Before locking eyes with Arthur giving him a wicked smirk.

"Prince Charming!" Arthur exclaimed.

"In the flesh," Charming responded. "And you remember me. Isn't that sweet."

Arthur frowned. Oh he remembered this man alright. He remembered the two instances they encountered that ended with Charming almost killing the boy. Not to mention trying to take over Far Far Away, nearly killing Shrek and imprisoning his aunt and cousin. Arthur thought he was done for after dropping that tower on his head. Guess not.

"What do you want?" Arthur demanded.

"Hmmm, let's see," Charming began. "The one who caused me great humiliation, thwarted my plans to take over my rightful kingdom and slay my enemy, stole my crown and turned my minions against me is now sitting before me bound, helpless, and far from the safety of his kingdom. What do you think I want?"

Arthur's frown deepened.

"Well if it's revenge you want then we'll have to reschedule." Arthur stated in defiant annoyance. "I have matters to attend to that are a lot more urgent than you are at the moment."

At that, Charming gave out a dark chuckle.

"Oh I'm sure," Charming replied leaning in closer and putting his hands underneath his chin in a thinking position. "And do these matters involve ill-health villagers who are unable to eat, choking on their own bile and breaking out with sweat, fever, uncontrollable shakes and festering sores?"

Arthur's mouth dropped open. Shock plastered all over his face.

"How did you-"

"Just an observation," Charming stated with a wry smile as he pulled out an ominous looking vile with some green substance on the inside.

A/N: DUNH...DNH...DUUUNNNNNHHHHHH...!