Above the subtle waves that spread across the Aletic Lake flew a flock of birds under the Albion sky. It was just like any summer day. The faint bustles hummed from the city as it mixed with the sounds of nature.

Chirp went the birds and moo went the cows. Children were chuckling from the west while hunters beckoned from the east. It was completely normal.

It made Arthur feel as though whatever happened mere hours ago was just a dream. Nonetheless, he had been having this sensation quite often since he was announced King. Nothing felt real nor did anything feel illusory. He was stuck in this abyss where a lot has been implemented but nothing yet has been concluded.

"Am I doing the right thing?" He thought. "Or have I done something wrong?"

"Arthur?" He fluttered his eyes open to find a blonde woman crouching beside him.

Funny it was to Octavia- this was exactly how it was between her and Morgan just a few days ago. Arthur stretched his arms and yawned, humming happily when he felt his muscles relax. "What brings you here?"

"I was about to ask you the same question, Your Majesty,"

"Don't call me that," he grunted. "You come here often, don't you?"

"In fact, you have stolen my favourite spot," Octavia purred at him. He simply laughed. She laid down beside him as she always would when she was alone.

She quite love this spot. The tree wasn't as tall as the others that were planted by the lake. Yet, it was rather stumpy with its bark and leaves. Branches spread wide. Naturally, this spot provided the best shade.

She figured that instead of spending her summer days basking in the heat as she melted, the best she could do was to make use of the light it offered. Even if this tree was deemed impenetrable by the heat, there were still small pools of light that stained the green grass in yellow. And in those miniscule illuminated spots, Octavia would read without being bothered much of the temperature.

It was just like any other day, she thought. She saw the same flock of birds that paraded the lake in air. The only difference in scenery was the fact that there were people in boats, scurrying on the lake. They were fishing. That was the first the blonde saw such a thing on the Aletic Lake.

It felt completely ordinary. Just this time, there was a swirl of fear and worry for the meeting between Albion and the Empire. There was nothing to do but wait. The difficult thing about having anxiety was the fact that it would only be solved when the source finally unfolds itself. In this case, the King and Octavia had to wait just another two days to hope for a better feeling. You eat, drink, sleep, read, walk and stare yet the only thing that comes about you mind was the meeting. It just felt horrible.

"Do you think it would go well?" Arthur said, half mumbling. "The meeting?" Octavia pouted her lips. She had been wondering the same thing too. In two days, they would come, in their swift grace Octavia could imagine.

"We've been enemies for too long," she replied. Dried fingers ran through blonde fringes. "Personally, considering the letter was handwritten by Atia, I feel that whatever she stated is purely truth. Moreover, Nero has taken over as Emperor. I don't think there is much to worry," Arthur paused, processing her words.

"But it's the empire…"

"No, it's my family," Octavia continued, rolling over to her side. She faced the king. " If my father had not defied the emperor that night, there was a high chance my brother would have reigned as Emperor by now. We are not people who are obsessed with power and wealth- at least not as bad as the previous rulers,"

"Then, why had they not been ruling since?" Arthur curiously asked.

"The emperor before was made ruler due to his hereditary privileges. Now that he has been toppled out of the throne, with much disgrace, it's only a matter of time that the people demanded Nero," Arthur nodded with astounded looks.

"I see," He muttered as he crossed his arms. There were so many questions to ask. Yet there was so little time. Arthur nervously tapped his fingers on his arms, frustrated. "How are they- the Aurelian family? Is there anything you would want to warn me about?"

"Nothing except the fact that they are a colony of perfectionists"

"I can see where your traits came from," He snickered softly. Again, a thought passed his mind- how Octavia was well suited to be a leader even though she denied the idea.

But there was something else about Octavia to the King. He felt safe with her. She wasn't the type that liked to simply side with anyone. As long one side was more righteous than the other, she would side with them. And that was what he adored about her.

Even if he seeks advice from the Demon King, his words were always adorned with indirect insults and teases to the brunet. He didn't like that. He was new to so many things as the King. The least anyone could do was to be as patient as Octavia.

He frowned. The fact that she was originally from the empire made him even sadder. Weren't his only family and tribe supposed to support him?

"Can I say something?" the blonde asked. Arthur snapped out of his thoughts and grunted an affirmative. She took in a deep breath. "I feel confused. I'm happy that I'll reunite with my family again- even if it's only just for seven days,"

She smiled serenely before slowly glowering. "Yet, it just feels surreal… A-and bad and… I don't know what I'm supposed to feel. Honestly, I'm…" She turned to him. "I'm really scared, Arthur,"

Arthur cracked smile, even when he knew he shouldn't. He was just over-joyed that she felt the same way as he did. He poked her pale cheeks, thinking it would cheer her up only to make her blue eyes water with sorrow.

"Me too,"

A/N: I've rewarded you with more Artavia. Rock On~!