Somewhere in medieval Britain

April, 506 AD

I felt a cushioned surface against my back.

I felt something sturdy supporting my head.

I felt warm fingers softly brushing against my cheek.

I felt some light hitting my closed pupils, disturbing the darkness.

I felt my brain pounding and a groan escaped me as I forced my eyes to open.

"Astra!" "Astraea!" I instantly recognised Merlin and Arthur's voices.

I gazed around, realising that my head was lying on the Prince's lap and he sat against a stone wall. My best friend sat a metre or two beside us. Both watched me intently.

I sat up slightly. Arthur instantly wrapped an arm around my waist to support me as he kept watching me. I frowned when I realised that we were in a medieval jail cell. With a thin mattress below us, straw covering the floor, chains hanging from the wall behind us, a small window towards the top of the small space, and a freaking wooden bucket in a corner.

My instantly erratic heart made it easy to get rid of the sleepiness and I clutched Arthur's hand as I gulped. "I take it we didn't win?"

Arthur let out a shaky exhale and pulled me closer until my back was pressed against his chest. He placed a kiss on my cheek before dropping his head to my shoulder as he held me tightly while taking in deep breaths. I sent Merlin a questioning look. Why does the Prince seem so uneasy?

Merlin gave me a small grin before telling him, "I told you she would be all right."

I slowly reached up to gently stroke Arthur's hair and he sighed.

"What happened?" I asked.

Arthur straightened up a little, though his arms didn't loosen up in the slightest. He gulped and kissed the side of my head before responding, "We were largely outnumbered and forced to surrender."

Oh, the horrible tunnels!

"You… You hit your head pretty hard and passed out. I-I thought you were dead for a second." He tightened his grip on my body and released another shaky exhale.

My eyes widened and I turned towards Merlin in hopes of getting more information.

"It was a pretty hard blow. You got really lucky," my best friend stated and he raised his eyebrows suggestively.

I tilted my head. Does 'lucky' mean that he had to use magic to heal me? Like Morgana probably did last night when she also knocked me out? I hope this doesn't become a habitual thing, or I'm gonna have to start wearing my riding helmet everywhere I go. Like Carlos on the 'Big Time Rush' TV series!

"Well, I must have a superhero watching over me," I said and winked at Merlin, who snorted in response while a smile formed on his lips.

I looked up at Arthur and found that his skin was slightly pale, his expression was like that of a man tormented, and his eyes were slightly red, full of whatever emotion, and they seemed unwilling to move away from me.

I reached up to kiss the side of his jaw and gave him a little grin in hopes of making him feel a little better.

"Do you feel all right?" he asked.

"Other than a lil' headache, yeah," I responded truthfully.

He let out another shaky sigh and nodded in understanding before kissing my head again. I moved a hand to place it over one of his and began rubbing gentle circles over his knuckles. He dropped his head to my shoulder again and I leaned mine against it.

I sent Merlin another quizzical look. Is Arthur like this because of me?! Because I got hurt?! He gave a little amused smile in return.

A more interesting thought crossed my mind and I frowned as I asked, "Wait. How come we're still alive?"

"Because Cenred will want to torture me first. Find out what I know," Arthur replied in a mumble.

"Torture?!" I echoed in alarm as my heart started to get erratic again. I'll find a way to torture anyone who dares to harm a single perfect inch of his being!

Oh, crap, what if they also wanna torture me?! I mean, I guess it'd be tolerable as long as I don't get sent back to high-school… Hold on, I remember a disturbing history class where the teacher told us about medieval torture methods…

F*ck f*ck f*ck.

"No one is going to touch you," Arthur stated and pressed another kiss to the side of my head.

"I'd rather they touch me than they touch you!" I shot back, which caused him to recoil slightly as his eyes widened.

"Are you not afraid?" Merlin asked him, looking as mortified as I felt.

"No," Arthur responded and I frowned as he started looking around the cell. "Not in the slightest."

"How can you not be afraid of pain?" Merlin questioned.

"I am afraid of pain, there is just not going to be any."

"Right, so… you go into some sort of trance?"

Y'know, I liked it better when I was unconscious. I have a feeling I might be again, soon, if my lungs keep shrinking the way they're doing.

Arthur's head snapped towards Merlin and he frowned as he questioned, "What are you talking about?" He kissed my cheek and then scrambled to his feet, heading towards the door of the jail-cell. "There is not going to be any because we are going to escape from this filthy cell and rescue the others."

"Unless ya' got Hulk on speed-dial, I don't see how we're gonna get through that," I mumbled while gesturing towards the thick wooden door.

"He has got a plan," Merlin realised as a grin formed on his lips again.

"Not as such…" Arthur responded.

I ran a hand down my braid and let out a long exhale to try to ease the tension in my body.

Arthur kneeled down in front of me and gently took my face in his hands. "You trust me, do you not?" he asked in a whisper. "No one is going to hurt you."

"It's not me I'm scared for," I responded in a mumble.

I mean, obviously I don't wanna get tortured, y'know? But the fear of seeing him hurt is a million times worse than the fear of being hurt myself. I spent my teenage years being tortured by my own brain, so what can Cenred possibly do to me that's worse than that?

He can hurt Arthur or Merlin.

"We will all be fine," Arthur claimed and he pressed a soft kiss to my lips.

"Okay…"

Ten minutes later, I was raising an eyebrow as I stared up at Arthur, who had briefly turned into Spider-Man and somehow climbed the wall of the cell until he managed to secure himself near the ceiling by clinging to some wooden beams.

Under different circumstances, I might've asked to have a turn at trying to get up there.

Merlin exchanged a nod with the Prince, then another one with me, and he began banging on the door. "Help! Quick!"

A small window on the door opened and a man peeked inside.

"The Prince has escaped," Merlin whispered.

The window was slammed shut and the door was pushed open. Two enemy soldiers holding swords entered and Merlin instantly moved me behind him as he backed up.

"I'm so sorry," my best friend rambled while the men looked around the small cell. "I wish I knew where he was, but I–" He cut himself off and turned towards the ceiling with a grin. "Oh, there he is!"

The men looked up and Arthur gave them a cute smile before jumping down on them and knocking them to the floor.

Merlin stole one of their swords as they tumbled to the ground and used it to hit the back of one of the soldiers when he tried to recover and attack.

I grinned a little when I saw that both men were left unconscious.

"Wonders never cease," Arthur stated while regarding Merlin with a frown. Then he moved towards me and, before I could react, his hands were placed on either side of my face and his lips were energetically pressed against mine. He broke away for a second to whisper, "I told you everything would be fine," before kissing me again.

"Dude! Cool it with the PDA!" I scolded in a yelled whisper when he separated once more and gave him a gentle push backwards. "Merls isn't here because he got a ticket to watch a sappy rom-com!"

"I do not know what any of that means," Arthur stated before giving me one last quick kiss and moving away. He snatched the sword that Merlin had stolen as he passed by him.

I sent my best friend a sheepish look and he snorted as he grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the cell. I rapidly stole the remaining sword from the second unconscious guard.

The three of us creeped around the dungeon with Arthur in the lead, searching for Gwen and hopefully her brother. Maybe Morgana, too, but I doubt we'll find her. She's probably busy toasting to our misfortune with her accomplices. Little do they know – they're about to lose! Again. 'Cause they're losers.

We peeked around a corner and found a big man with a thick brown beard sitting outside another jail cell. Obviously guarding it.

"Any ideas?" Arthur asked Merlin and I in a whisper.

I pressed my lips. I doubt anyone brought a hula costume…

"Just this one," Merlin responded a second before he pushed Arthur out of hiding and towards the guard.

My eyes widened as the Prince stumbled before quickly recovering and putting on a smile while letting out a chuckle. "Hello, again!"

Unsurprisingly, the guard attacked and engaged Arthur in a sword duel while my heart jumped to my throat. As muscular as the Prince is, he couldn't match the man's powerful blows and he was soon pinned against a wall, barely holding off a sword to the neck.

I was about to dash forwards and attack the guard from behind, but Merlin whispered a spell and his freaking pants fell off.

I quickly covered my innocent eyes. Why isn't he wearing underwear?!

"Do you know what your problem is?" Arthur asked. I heard a smack and a groan. "All mouth, and no trousers!"

Another groan came, then a loud crash and a clang.

Merlin grabbed my arm and moved me a couple of steps ahead. I still refused to uncover my eyes.

"Are you all right?" a happy-sounding Arthur asked.

"Yes," I heard Gwen reply, which caused me to grin.

I uncovered my eyes so that I could see what was happening, only to gasp and cover them again when I saw the half-naked man on the floor.

"Where is Morgana?" Arthur asked.

"I thought she was with you," Gwen responded.

"They must be holding her somewhere else. Let us go."

A strong arm was wrapped around my shoulders and I was pulled somewhere else, which caused me to stumble over my feet for a moment. I heard a soft chuckle and peeked up to see Arthur.

"You can look now," he said while gently removing my hand from my eyes.

"Thanks…" I replied while giving him a sheepish look.

The Prince led the way as we all ran out of the dungeons and we arrived at a corridor. The torches lining it and the lack of light coming in from the outside informed me that it's now night. How long was I unconscious?

"Take Astra, Gwen and Elyan with you. Guard them with your life," Arthur ordered Merlin halfway through the corridor.

My mouth fell agape at the wild suggestion of leaving without him.

"What about you?" my best friend asked.

"I am going to get Morgana," Arthur responded.

"No, you cannot! It is too dangerous!" Merlin protested.

That, and we're better off without her. My stomach churned.

"Sorry, Merlin, I am not leaving without her," Arthur replied.

I wish we could tell him the truth…

"Astra–" the Prince said as he turned to me and gently grabbed my face once more. "When you get to the horses, ride straight for–"

"No, I'm stayin' with you," I quickly interjected.

"Astraea, please! Just do as I say!"

I clenched my jaw and shook my head. "You're gonna have to knock me out again, 'cause I'm not leaving you otherwise."

Arthur let out a frustrated huff and turned towards Merlin with a bewildered expression.

"Look, I do not like this anymore than you do, but it is her decision. I am certainly not going to knock her out," my best friend said.

The Prince returned his attention to me. "Please, I cannot lose you," he whispered.

"Right back at ya'," I responded.

Our eyes locked in a silent battle of wills, challenging each other to surrender.

"She is not going to give in, Arthur," Merlin cautioned, which made me smirk a little. "I cannot control her if I want to get Gwen and Elyan out."

Arthur let out a shaky exhale that fanned my face. "You are infuriating, did you know that?" he asked, whispering again.

"Yep."

"All right," he breathed out. "But if I tell you to run–"

"I'll ignore you and fight to the death."

He dropped his head in apparent defeat, then he turned to address Merlin again, "Go, get them out of here."

My best friend nodded and we shared a quick hug.

Arthur grabbed my hand and said, "Come on." I grinned in triumph and followed him as he took off down the corridor.

My smaller legs made it really hard to keep up with his long strides. The only reason I didn't fall behind is because of his grip on my hand, and I practically felt like a kite being flown around.

"Crap," I muttered under my breath when warning bells began to sound.

Arthur halted down a stretch of corridor and he fixed his sight ahead. I heard some footsteps and felt my shoulders tense up. He pulled me to hide behind a door. I dropped my head to lean it against his chest and took in a few deep breaths while being careful not to make any noises.

Two men ran past us, none-the-wiser, and disappeared at the corner.

We left our hiding spot moments later and Arthur took the lead once more as he cautiously peeked around the next corner ahead.

He turned back towards me and made a 'two' sign with his hand. I nodded in understanding and tightened my hold on my sword. He sighed and gently pushed me behind him as he stepped into the next stretch of corridor.

The guards must've been half asleep, for they didn't seem to notice the extra two bodies in the room.

"Evening," Arthur greeted with a cute grin.

The two men instantly attacked and I engaged one of them while the Prince engaged the other. I ducked a hard blow and quickly moved around the man to hit his back, my sword clashing with his armour. He stumbled slightly and slashed again, making me jump back. He tried once more and I met his sword with mine, producing a loud clanging sound. The impact of his superior strength against my hands made me fumble with my weapon for a moment and I kicked him in the nether-regions in a moment of panic. The guard doubled over with a groan and Arthur finished him off by hitting his neck with the pommel of his sword.

I exchanged a grin with Arthur and he promptly wrapped his free arm around my waist and leaned down to press a brief kiss to my lips.

"We're still a great team," I pointed out.

"Of course we are," he responded and kissed my forehead. Then he moved towards the doors that the guards had been watching. "Are you ready?" he asked.

Not really.

"Bring it on," I replied.

He nodded and pushed a door open.

My eyes widened at the sight that greeted us. A tall man with long dark hair held Morgana against his chest, with his sword pressed against her neck.

I don't get it! Is the threat serious, or is it an act?!

"That is close enough!" the man warned.

"Please do not hurt me!" Morgana cried.

Arthur moved me behind him once more as he creeped closer.

"One more step and she dies!" the man snarled, causing the Prince to halt.

My breath hitched as I scanned Morgana's expression. If she's acting, she should get an Oscar, 'cause she's great at it.

"You are a coward, Cenred," Arthur stated. "You always were."

Oh, so this is the infamous Cenred.

Cenred let out a raspy chuckle. "It is cowards that survive, Arthur." That's certainly an interesting philosophy. "Now put down your swords."

A sudden movement towards the corner of the room made me avert my gaze and I clenched my jaw when my eyes landed on Morgause and Thanata.

"Do as he says," the elder witch told us in an eerily soft voice. I scowled at her "You seem surprised…" she taunted Arthur.

"Hardly," he responded as he adjusted his grip on his sword. "I know what you are capable of."

"Oh, you have no idea," she stated with a wicked grin. I flinched when she suddenly made a fast motion towards the floor and a spark ignited. Then it grew into a big column of fire that started moving towards us.

My skin suddenly felt very hot. My lungs cowered again.

I grabbed Arthur's arm and pulled him backwards. He pushed me behind him again while aiming his sword at the fire. Because fire can be killed by a sword, obviously.

The column suddenly let out a blast that sent us flying backwards. I quickly raised an arm to protect myself from getting another blow to the head just in time for it to take the hit as I crashed against a wall before falling to the floor.

I ignored the pain that shot up my arm and scrambled to crawl towards Arthur, who landed on his back a metre beside me.

"Artie?!"

"I am all right," he instantly responded while sitting up. I let out a shaky sigh. He pushed himself to his feet and gallantly offered a hand to pull me up.

I gazed around the room, realising that a huge chunk of roof had collapsed. Conveniently, Cenred, Morgause and Thanata seemed to have been knocked out. Morgana was the only one who stirred.

Arthur released my hand and rushed to help Morgana up. "Are you all right? Come on." He gently pushed her towards the entrance and grabbed my hand again. Then his eyes widened and he halted. "Merlin?! What the hell are you doing here?!"

I swirled around and a grin formed on my lips when my eyes connected with my best friend's. He must've caused the collapse!

"I thought you might need some help!" Merlin responded.

"Get out of here now!" Arthur snarled.

Merlin promptly grabbed Morgana's arm and forcefully dragged her out of the room.

I hung back with Arthur as he gazed back towards the three still unconscious people.

"What should we do?" I asked in a low tone.

He sighed and gently rubbed his thumb over my knuckles. "Nothing. It would be dishonourable to harm them when they cannot fight back."

"Yeah," I breathed out.

He gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "Come on."

I let out a puff and followed him out of the room. We were soon sprinting down the corridors again, and I was once more being flown like a kite.

My breath hitched when we reached an opening in the wall that led out of the castle and into the Earth, and I skidded to a stop. "Oh, no… Anything but the tunnels," I mumbled in between heavy pants.

"It will be over before you know it," Arthur said gently and he gave my hand another squeeze.

Every fibre of my being begged me to run away and find another way out, to the point where tears formed in my eyes from the mere thought of having to go inside the tunnels again, but I still relented and followed the Prince.

A couple of steps inside sufficed to make it hard to breathe again and I pushed myself to run faster.

We reached Morgana and Merlin, who were arguing and blocking the way out.

"What is wrong?!" Arthur asked as he stopped, making me stop as well.

"My ankle," Morgana cried.

I let go of Arthur's hand and kept running. I need to get outside. I need oxygen. I need light.

A sigh of relief escaped my lungs as soon as my eyes landed on Dallas, who was peacefully grazing next to Tequila. I sped up and sprinted towards him, throwing my arms around his neck and burying my face in his mane while breathing in his calming horse-y scent, which immediately gave my lungs the last bit of expansion they needed to function normally again.

"You're a sight for sore eyes, aren't ya'?" I whispered.

"Are you all right?" Arthur asked, suddenly appearing beside me.

I separated a little from Dallas and nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay now…"

"Good," he said and pulled me to his chest. I immediately returned the hug and closed my eyes for a few moments.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to get so worked up," I whispered.

"I know. You do not have to explain," he assured me and kissed the top of my head, making me grin a little.

A few moments later, we pulled apart and he threw an arm over my shoulders before leading me over to where Morgana and Merlin remained – now joined by Gwen and Elyan, which made my smile grow. We did it! We beat the level!

"I thought I told you to ride for Camelot," Arthur told the siblings.

They exchanged a shrug before Gwen responded in a nonchalant manner, "We did not know which way to go."

Before I could point out that there's a map in Tequila's saddle bag, two of Cenred's soldiers suddenly emerged from the wilderness with loud shouts.

Arthur instantly moved me behind him and engaged one of the men. I was about to rebel against his silent command and engage the other, but Elyan beat me to it, and it wasn't long before the two enemies were dead on the floor.

I raised my eyebrows. Elyan sure can fight! I bet he could give most of the knights a run for their money!

"Not bad," the Prince complimented him with a small grin.

"Well… practice makes perfect, I guess," Elyan responded in a tone that was almost shy while cowering under a disapproving Gwen's stare.

I can't tell who might be the elder sibling…

"Ya' gotta spar with me sometime," I piped in, earning a stunned look from the man.

That prompted a round of official introductions.

"Thank you all. For coming to rescue me," Elyan said.

"There is no need to thank us," Arthur assured him. "It was the decent thing to do."

My eyes widened. He's stealing my line!

I decided not to protest, on account of my warming heart, and instead I added, "Besides, it was fun."

"You almost died!" Merlin cried.

"Yes, n' now I have another near-death experience on my résumé. Fun."

The ride back to Camelot was fairly peaceful, a soul-soothing contrast to the not-at-all fun adventure in Fyrien's castle. The sun was warm and it generously lit the path ahead. The branches on the trees swayed with a gentle breeze that softly brushed my skin. Birds chirped all around.

"What did Cenred want with you?" Arthur suddenly asked – addressing Morgana.

"He was trying to extract information," she responded. "I told him nothing."

"I'm sure you didn't," I mumbled under my breath.

"See, that is what men like Cenred will never understand," Arthur said. "Camelot was built on trust and loyalty. We will never be defeated as long as we stay true to those ideals."

The words caused a pang in my chest. Trust and loyalty, yet Merlin and I are kinda betraying him by not telling him about what's happening right under his nose; and Morgana is totally betraying him by, y'know, orchestrating plots to end his life.

So I decided to mess with the Lady a little bit. Just 'cause I can. Just 'cause I know that she can't hurt me in front of the rest.

"That's weird, though," I said in the most casual tone I could put on. "I mean. He knew a lot about the social dynamics in Camelot – enough to know that Artie would help Gwen – so surely he knows that I'm the King's advisor. Why didn't he question me?"

"You were out cold," Morgana replied through gritted teeth.

"Yeah, not dead!" I countered.

"Getting knocked out and incarcerated was not enough for you? Now you want to be interrogated, too?" Arthur questioned a bit sharply as he quirked an eyebrow.

"Sure! If I'm gonna be held prisoner, I want the full experience," I responded with a forced grin.

"Ignore her – she is crazy," Merlin mumbled to Elyan, which caused my grin to turn genuine.