Trotting away whilst running through a list of errands was Arthur whose arms, though big, were shaking as they tried to carry a whole bunch of scrolls. His mouth curled to that of pure worry when he came across a probable unpleasant notice. Octavia tilted her head, smiling.

"Oi," Octavia squeaked at the sudden greet that fell out of her mouth. How indecent. Her stay in this kingdom has discreetly ripped her elegancy, she thought. Making a face, she hurried towards him. "I mean, good morning, Arth- King, I meant, King Arthur…" She pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to hide her klutzy self. What was making her so flustered? It must be the bath.

Octavia couldn't help it. Being an imperial soldier, let alone a woman in the imperial army, she was good when it came to meetings and training. However, social activities like these were a different thing to Octavia. Baths. Celebrative dinners. Hunting. They were optional and not obligatory to Octavia. If she had the choice, why should she say 'yes'?

"Oh," The brunet stopped in his rushed tracks, smiling when he realized Octavia making her way to him. "Oi,"

"Stop it," Octavia grumbled. She stretched out her arms. "You need help? Do you- would you like some assistance with that?"

"What's with this sudden formality?"

"No. It's just…" A hand came to ruffle up her long hair. "I'm rather baffled, you see? You are King now, so… I thought-"

"Nonsense," A small stack of scrolls was handed to Octavia. Her knees snapped when she realized how the scrolls were definitely heavier than it appeared to be. Arthur took back a scroll with a cheeky grin. "I may be King but I'm still your air-headed sparring partner," He waved a scroll in the air. "With all honestly, I feel that you're best in my position than the one you're in now,"

"Ah, I don't find you that daft. At least, not as daft as Morgan, I presume…" The king gave a hefty laugh, baring his white teeth, and nudged Octavia on the arm. Each nudge shook the blonde. She nearly toppled. "Being King or any sort of leader is the least of my desire here… However, I do wish asking what my position here is now?" Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Aside from being a teacher- Arawn's wife,"

"What?" Octavia shrugged in disbelief and eyes became slits. "Now what would give you that sort of notion?"

"You mean- you're not?" Arthur arched his back to look Octavia at eye level. "Hold on, you're not his wife?"

"Of course, I'm not," she cried in a high-pitched voice. Several early bird traders passed by. Flinching, Octavia took a step back from the King.

Arguing with the King was a big no. Discovering the smallest bit of guts to defy him would sign her up for a public death by stakes in a bonfire. Maybe worse, considering she was from the empire. Albion was a sadist in a fairy's clothing, she thought. She came down to a whisper. "Moreover, I do not fathom why everyone thinks so,"

Arthur was silent for a while, still slouching a bit. It was at that moment when Octavia realized how much Arthur had grown in the course of just a few months. At his ear height was how she remembered him when they first met. Octavia had this habit of analyzing such things. However, as of the moment, she was well below his chin.

"I see," he said. His violet eyes trailed down to Octavia's scrolls. "Come along,"

Arthur briskly walked towards the main wing of the Albion castle with his chest pronounced outwards. Octavia had to practically jog to keep up with his strides. They may be slow but the length they leapt was worth two of Octavia's.

Carved stonewalls loomed over them, echoing even the lightest tap of their boots. Octavia tried to muffle her footsteps, shuffling once or twice. Obvious it was that one series of footsteps was solid and the other was struggling. "What have you been doing lately?" Arthur asked.

The lady shrugged. "Nothing presumably beneficial to this kingdom,"

Arthur made a face and turned to look back at Octavia. "What makes you say that? How about Conal and Elyr? That's good, isn't it?"

Arthur hopped onto a flight of stairs, scrolls bouncing in the process. Abruptly, he noticed how Octavia had been puffing. His pace came to a slow one. Averting eyes, he too noticed how much he had grown. A gleeful smile passed.

Indeed it had been a long time since the two shared moments like these. They may not know it but they definitely had the same train of thoughts flashing through their minds as they paced through these ancient walls. Silent. When was the last time they sparred? When was the last time they had dinner together- even if it was with Morgan, Rhiannon, Arawn and everyone else?

It made Arthur feel hollow. Being King should be the prime and proudest time of any man to roam this land. Yet, why did it carve a hole in the ruler's heart? He missed everyone. And he missed her.

"Not many have a kind and patient nature like yours, Octavia. So I find it admirable,"

"Oh," Behind the scrolls, she hid her flattered self. But she doubted it was kindness and patience. It was just her bitter indifference. "Thank you, Arthur,"