Days had passed since Arthur had fallen into Morgana's clutches. He had not cried once since then. He instead distracted himself by attempting to find a way out and struggling to get the young girl to speak to him again. She had not spoken again since that first day. As he lay down and looked at her, eyes closed in the corner he realised something, he felt like dim-witted for not realising it before.
'There is only one pillow, why did you give it to me,' He asked softly worried that he would frighten her.
She was silent for a few moments before she spoke. 'You needed it more,' she said almost inaudibly
'You have a kind spirit Edrea, I promise I will not harm you. I only want to help you so please don't be frightened of me,' He said gently. She seemed to relax if only slightly. She began to slowly creep ever so slightly forward. He thought he had finally gotten through to her but then she began to shake like a leaf. 'Edrea, I promise not to hurt you,' He repeated hoping it would calm her down but it soon became apparent that it was not he she feared.
The cell opened above them suddenly and the guard gripped Edrea. She whimpered as he tore her from the cell, unable to find the strength to scream.
'Let her go!' Arthur bellowed. He attempted to tackle the guard. The guard merely kicked him back into the cell and took Edrea away. The cell door slammed shut and Arthur felt helpless and emasculated. He was left with his dreaded thoughts which seemed to quickly turn to his beloved Gwenivere. He let out a soft cry before lying back on the floor of the cell. He closed his eyes hoping to sleep away the thoughts that clawed at his mind. He drifted off to sleep.
It seemed like moments but it might have been hours for all he knew, the cell door clanged open and Edrea dropped on top of Arthur. The cell slammed shut and she scurried off him. He looked at her for a moment. She was covered in cuts, bruises, burns and other signs of unimaginable pain. She stared at him, her eyes full of hopelessness.
'What did they do to you?' He whispered. She did not respond. 'Here, have the pillow and lay down, you need to rest,' He said kindly.
'No one should suffer for me,' she rasped.
'I would suffer more if I took it at your expense, please just lie down,'
'No!' she said. It was the most confident she had ever sounded and he knew he would not be able to change her mind.
'At least share it with me, I would not feel right taking it while you're in pain,' He stared straight into her dark brown eyes.
'I don't know,' She whispered.
'Please,' He responded. She moved slowly and cautiously over and placed her head next to his on the pillow, she stared into his eyes for a few moments before her nerves got the better of her and she turned onto her other side to face the wall.
He stared at the many marks on the surface of her fair skin. He gently touched one of the bruises on her skin so softly so he didn't hurt her but still she flinched.
'Don't touch me,' she hissed.
'Sorry,' He said as he quickly pulled his hand away.
'I'm sorry,' she mumbled and then she was asleep.