Camelot

May, 507 AD

"Man! It's been so long since I've been on one of these!" Oliver exclaimed while rubbing Cinderella's neck as we passed through the back gate of the castle after a nice trail ride in the forest. He'd wanted to see my 'future lands'.

"They're called horses," I pointed.

My cousin huffed, "Smart-ass."

I smirked in return and sent him a wink.

As we neared the paddocks, I spotted Gwen leaning against a fence, looking anxious. She waved me over when she saw me, her expression easing up a bit.

"Damn!" my cousin whisper-yelled, and I turned towards him to find his eyes fixed on my friend.

"Oliver – you're married!" I scolded.

"Joanna doesn't mind where I get my motor runnin' as long as I park in the right spot," he shot back with a smirk.

My eyes widened. "Okay, first of all, don't use quotes from my favourite shows against me. And, second, on behalf of all women: yes, we mind it when guys shamelessly ogle other girls." I gave him a pointed look and nudged Dallas ahead.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked Gwen as soon as I reached her.

She gave me an apologetic look as she replied, "I am sorry to bother you when you are spending time with your cousin, but I really need your help."

"You could never bother me, Gwennie," I assured her as I hopped off Dallas and promptly began untacking him. "What's up?"

She gave me a small smile before responding, "I was hoping you could help me get a private audience with Arthur."

I felt a small frown form on my face. I don't think she needs my help for that, all she has to do is ask him directly. But I decided to skip over that fact. "Yeah, of course," I paused to undo my horse's girth, "what should I tell 'em?"

"There is a village, Longstead, that is being plagued by a rare sickness. They have no physician and people are dying quickly," she explained. My eyes widened as memories of the Covid pandemic flashed through my mind. "I have a friend who lives there, Mary. She came to me for help."

I nodded as I opened the gate to the paddock and let Dallas in. Then I grabbed my equipment off the fence and turned to Oliver, who'd only now caught up. "I have to run. Can you untack her and put 'er in with Dal?" I asked while motioning towards Cinderella with my head. He seemed confused, but agreed to do so and I turned to Gwen again. "Let's get you an audience with Prince Charming!"

"Guinevere informs me that you live in Longstead in the Feorre Mountains, is that right?" Arthur gently asked Gwen's friend Mary.

The middle-aged woman nodded, "That is right, Sire." The King nodded in understanding and remained quiet, allowing her to continue. "Our village... We are blighted by a sickness. Three good men it has taken now." I involuntarily grimaced. "We have no physician, Sire. It is beyond our understanding."

"I see," Arthur said softly and he turned to me for a second. I could see the concern in his eyes, so I gave his hand – which has been holding mine under the table since we sat down with the two women – a hopefully reassuring squeeze.

"Forgive me. I have no right to bring such a small matter before the King," Mary suddenly said.

I tilted my head. Isn't it kind of his job to deal with stuff like this?

"You have every right," Arthur assured her kindly as he leaned slightly forwards to look her in the eyes. "It is my responsibility to protect the people of this kingdom, whoever they may be."

I squeezed his hand again, feeling a surge of pride in my heart.

"You will help us?" Mary asked, her voice soft and barely above a whisper as she regarded the King with something that looked like surprise.

"We will do whatever we can," Arthur replied with a small reassuring smile.

As soon as Gwen and her friend left the room, I stood up and placed my free hand on the side of Arthur's face as I pressed my lips to his. He hummed in surprise, but didn't protest as he placed a gentle hand behind my neck, reciprocating the kiss with a little grin.

"What was that for?" he whispered when we pulled away slightly, our noses brushing.

I shrugged and smirked as I replied, "I just love you, like, a lot. No biggie."

Arthur smiled and kissed me again. "I love you a lot, too."

I returned to my seat and leaned back while letting out a long sigh, feeling an ocean of contentment fill my heart. Even if I probably should be drowning in concern for Mary's village. But, y'know, I've got some faulty cables.

Salem, who'd been hanging out on the windowsill, saw the extra space on my lap as an invitation to curl up. So he jumped on me and promptly lay down. I snorted at his cuteness and began to gently run my fingers through his dark fur.

"So what's the plan? A quest for the team plus Pops?" I asked.

"I was thinking we could send the knights with Gaius," Arthur replied. "There is no point in us going. Especially with your cousin visiting."

A pout formed on my lips. He's right, of course, but I hate staying back while everyone else goes out. It makes me feel useless. Though I guess he'll be staying back with me – and probably Merlin, too! – so it won't be so bad.

"Sounds good, I guess," I mumbled. Then I smiled when Arthur reached over to pet Salem, who purred happily at the extra attention. "He's growing on ya'," I noted with a smirk.

He snorted in return. "He is all right, I suppose."

Once the cat decided to move on, Arthur and I went to find Gaius.

We found him in his apartment, taking care of a sick guy with Merlin's help. I rushed to hug my best friend and I grimaced when I gazed down at the unconscious patient. He was incredibly pale and sweaty, and seemed to barely be breathing. My stomach churned and I mentally prayed that he would pull through.

Arthur explained Longstead's situation to Gaius, who seemed deeply troubled at the news as he looked down and his brow furrowed.

"This is the fourth case of sweating sickness I have seen today," he responded. "In normal circumstances, I would be happy to travel to this village to investigate, but–"

"Of course," Arthur cut him off in a low tone. "I understand."

I moved to stand beside him – he had sat down on the stairs to my brother's room – and he instantly pulled me closer by wrapping an arm around my waist. I threw one arm over his shoulders, feeling strangely happy that I could reach for once with him sitting. He looked up at me and gave a small smile, which I returned.

Gaius cleared his throat before asking, "Might I make a suggestion, Sire?" Arthur's gorgeous eyes shot to him again and he nodded. "Why not send Merlin in my place?"

Merlin paused his actions on the patient and turned around to look at his guardian, then he eyed Arthur nervously. I gave him a thumbs-up when his eyes landed on me.

The King frowned as he questioned, "Merlin?"

"Yeah! He's like a superhero, he can do it!" I instantly hyped up my brother, only earning a wary glance from him and a disconcerted look from Arthur.

"He has a knowledge of the healing arts," Gaius justified his proposal. "If the diagnosis is straightforward, he can prescribe a remedy, I am sure."

"And what if it is not?" Arthur inquired.

"Then he can bring his findings to me," the physician responded in an unconcerned manner.

"Findings?" the King scoffed. "Merlin cannot find his own backside most of the time!"

"Hey! Don't be rude!" I scolded – and I would've moved away if I wasn't so content to be by his side despite the mean comments. Merlin glared at him.

"I think he is capable of much more than you imagine, Sire," Gaius defended.

Arthur regarded Merlin silently for a few seconds while the latter returned his focus to tending to the patient. Then the King gestured for Gaius to step closer to us. "Do you really think he will be able to… handle the responsibility?" he asked.

"Yes, Sire. I do."

"Aw, now I really hate that I'm gonna miss out on this," I said and pouted.

Very begrudgingly, I helped Merlin to pack for his journey.

I'm definitely relieved that the knights of the round table will be going with him, and that he'll also have Gwen there for support – but I hate not being by his side! I almost feel like I am betraying him, even when he's assured me at least a dozen times that he will be all right and that I should prioritise spending time with Oliver.

Obviously, he's right. For all I know, this could be the last contact I ever have with my biological family. But it still sucks to have to be away from my best friend while he goes on an important quest.

"Merlin –" Gaius appeared at the doorway, "before you go, you will need this." He held up a cylindrical leather bag that I've seen lying around a couple of times, but I've never cared to ask what it is.

"Oh, I cannot take that, Gaius. That is your medicine bag," my best friend protested.

"Do not worry. I have got plenty of spare supplies," the physician assured him with a small smile.

Merlin smiled back and hesitantly took the bag from his guardian. "Thanks, Gaius."

"Are you ready?" Gaius inquired as he eyed the duffel bag that sat atop the bed. I lent Merlin my water-proof one, seeing as I sadly won't be needing it.

"As I will ever be," my brother replied with a small grin, which the physician mirrored.

"When you are done here, Oliver and I made dinner," Gaius said, now eyeing me, too.

I snorted. "Really? Olly in a kitchen?"

"He has been very helpful," Gaius stated. I raised my eyebrows in surprise, but said nothing more.

Oliver grew up being babied by his mom and sister. And from what I remember, Selene also took care of him a lot; so he rarely ever had to cook for himself. Perhaps Joanna changed things. Or he's merely trying to pull his weight here.

"I'm gonna miss ya' a lot," I said to Merlin as I was helping him to groom Falcon in preparation for their departure.

"It will only be a couple of days," he replied with a small chuckle.

"Yeah, well, the last time we were apart for more than a day you got Winter Soldier'ed and tricked me into helping you try to kill Arthur," I reminded him with a huff.

"That will not happen again, Astra."

"It better not, or I'll hunt down the wicked witches by myself and put a bunch of bullets between their eyes," I grumbled.

"I have no doubt that you would."

I smirked at him before going to leave the brushes in a crate, then I helped him to gather his horse's equipment.

"Hey, Astra!" Elyan suddenly called my attention from across the barn and he smirked when our eyes connected. "Since you are not coming, can I take Dallas?"

His question felt like a violent electrocution and it left me unmoving and blinking rapidly for a few moments.

"Touch him, and I'll make sure you'll regret it," I growled when the shock eased up slightly.

Hearty laughs from him and the other knights echoed through the wooden building, which made me clench my jaw. This is no joking matter!

"She ain't jokin'," Oliver stepped into the conversation. I didn't even notice that he was here and I looked around to find him attentively looking over the medieval saddles. "One time I got curious and took Skylo for a spin. She found out n' put bleach in my shampoo."

I giggled at the memory.

"What does that mean?" Elyan wondered while shooting me a concerned look.

"Skylo was another horse I had. Bleach is a liquid that causes one's hair to turn white," I explained.

"You turned your cousin's hair white?!" Gwen asked with a gasp.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "He asked for it."

Once Falcon was completely saddled, I jumped to hug Merlin as I whispered, "Please be safe."

"Do not worry, Trae. We will take good care of him," Gwaine stated, suddenly appearing near us. I turned my head to look at him without letting go of Merlin, and I gave him a smile.

"You be safe, too, Gwainester."

"Ah, but where is the fun in that?" he retorted jokingly, causing me to snort. Can't argue with that logic.

I squeezed Merlin once more and looked up at him. "I love you, buddy."

"I love you, too," he replied and kissed the top of my head.

I sighed before letting him go and I went to hug Gwaine.

"It will not be the same without you," he stated.

"Good. You're not allowed to have fun without me," I joked (kinda), earning a deep chuckle.

The other knights and Gwen also got hugs from yours truly, and then Oliver and I walked with them and their horses towards the courtyard; where Arthur was waiting so that he could 'formally' send off the party. Almost instinctively, I suddenly found myself right at his side. He seems to have an unbeatable magnetic pull on me these days.

Arthur gave the knights some final instructions and then they were off. I watched them go while nibbling on my bottom lip, mentally praying that they would have a smooth journey.

"Star, stop pouting!" Oliver exclaimed playfully as he poked my ribs. I flinched away and glared at him. "It's not like they're going off to war!"

"Yeah, but it's not a quick trip to Walmart, either!" I shot back. My cousin recoiled a little, but didn't drop his grin. I took a deep breath, trying to arm myself with patience, and explained a bit more calmly, "There's always danger. Bandits, wild beasts... not to mention the mystery illness they're dealin' with."

That seemed to get through his thick skull, because he nodded in understanding and didn't say anything else.

I sighed and relieved some tension when Arthur wrapped an arm around my waist and he pulled me closer to his side, then he kissed the top of my head. "They will be all right, my love."

"Of all things, I never thought ya' could end up as a Lady," Oliver commented with a grin while I was putting a straw dummy into position on the other side of the fence of the riding arena.

My cousin wants to learn how to joust – 'like William Thatcher', he said – and I'm more than happy to teach him what I know.

"Lady-Knight," I corrected, a proud smirk forming on my lips.

"Right, but the knight part isn't as surprising," my cousin claimed, making my smirk widen. "On the other hand, there's nothin' lady-like about you."

My jaw dropped for a moment, then I bursted out laughing.

"Ready?" I asked. Oliver nodded in response. "All right. Bring him around at a trot and simply aim the lance at the dummy."

Oliver sighed. "Okay, here it goes," he mumbled before gently asking Shakespeare to trot.

The black horse, already knowing what this is all about, listened happily and moved smoothly along the arena. However, he got a bit too excited when he saw the dummy – since he knows he gets a reward for charging at it – and he accelerated into a full-blown gallop just as the pair rounded the corner. My cousin's eyes widened in fear as he gripped the pommel of the saddle, lance discarded on the ground as the horse continued to sprint.

"You said he's perfectly well trained!" Oliver whined at me once Shakespeare slowed down. I laughed and rewarded the horse with half-a-carrot – he did his job, after all.

"Yeah. A little too well, I think," I replied.

My cousin narrowed his eyes at me and we held a glaring contest for a few seconds, until his gaze was drawn to something behind me. "Ha! I win!" I exclaimed happily, then I followed his line of sight to find Arthur leaning against the fence near the gate. My heart skipped a beat. Or five. The sun was hitting the side of his face in the perfect spot to highlight his handsome features and bring out the unique cerulean colour in his eyes.

Oh, those eyes.

"Are you trying to get your cousin killed, Astraea?" Arthur asked. His tone was serious, but I could see a playful glint in his eyes.

"He wanted to learn how to joust," I excused as I walked closer to him. "But 'Speare is too eager to do his job."

Arthur tilted his head in thought. "You should let him try with Bronze, then."

"May I?" I asked, my eyes widening slightly as a small grin formed on my lips again. Bronze would be the perfect teacher, with his calmer temperament and years of experience.

"You may do anything you want," Arthur replied with a sweet smile as he reached for my hand, and I surrendered it instantly.

A suggestive whistle from Oliver halted the impulse I got to kiss the King. Instead, I turned to my cousin with a questioning look. Can he not?

"Ya' really hit the jackpot there, Shootin' Star," he said while sending me a wink.

"Believe me, I know," I replied and I returned the wink before reaching up to kiss Arthur's cheek. Then I climbed over the fence to get to the other side and I was gonna take off sprinting towards the paddock where Bronze lives, but the King grabbed my hand again and stopped me.

"Would you two dine with me tonight?" he asked.

I pressed my lips together for a moment before replying with a question of my own, "Can I invite Pops so that he won't be alone, with Merls gone?"

"Of course, darling," Arthur answered. I felt my cheeks get warm and rushed off before my cousin could start teasing me.

King Arthur Pendragon paced outside of Oliver Aphelion's temporary room while nibbling on his thumbnail, his heart-rate unusually fast as he thought over what he's about to say. He likely only has one shot at this, and he wants to get it right.

After a minute or so, he forced himself to stop, took a deep breath, and quickly knocked on the door before he could chicken out.

Oliver was surprised to find the mythical king standing outside his bedroom. Three days in the legendary Camelot haven't been enough to get him used to all the craziness that surrounds him here. Above all, the fact that his little cousin – the hot-tempered recluse that his parents adopted – is apparently one diamond ring away from becoming an actual freaking Queen. At least according to what she and Merlin have told him.

Merlin. That's another thing he'll never be able to wrap his mind around!

"Hey! What's up, dude?!" Oliver greeted with a big toothy smile.

Already used to Astraea's weird greetings, the King didn't even falter at the informality and simply gave a nervous grin back. "Hello, Oliver. I was hoping to speak with you. Privately," he said, lowering his voice in case Astra could hear them from her room next door.

Oliver was slightly taken aback. What could Arthur freaking Pendragon have to say to him? Still, he let the King into his room and closed the door behind him, then he stood awkwardly by it as he awaited further instructions.

Arthur motioned for the two of them to take a seat at the small dining table and Oliver obeyed. His hazel eyes made contact with the blond's striking blue ones and, were he not married and straight, he definitely would've found himself lost in them. 'No wonder Astra's so in love!' he thought.

Arthur cleared his throat. "I am certain that Astraea has told you about our relationship, yes?" he asked, trying hard not to let his voice shake.

Oliver nodded, slightly fearing where this might be going. What if he doesn't feel the same way she does?! If this man dares to break his little cousin's heart, he will neuter him on the spot without a care for who he may be!

"I do not know how much she has told you, but I want you to hear it from me as well," the King kept speaking. Oliver narrowed his eyes at him and tilted his head. The great nervousness that Arthur felt only increased under the man's intense gaze, but he didn't let it discourage him. "You should know that I am entirely serious about my relationship with her. She means everything to me."

Oliver felt a huge wave of relief breeze through him and a big smile grew on his face again. No one can blame him for the initial wariness he felt towards the King, given the long, dramatic history of royal love disasters; but the glimmer in his irises assured him that what he said truly comes from the heart.

The joy in Oliver's expression affected Arthur's mood, too; for he relaxed slightly when he saw that the man approves of his words.

"Perhaps I should have done this long ago in a letter, but I was unsure of how to reach you," Arthur continued. Then his voice lowered, as if he were speaking to himself, "Astraea is strangely evasive when it comes to Ammarika…" Oliver had to hold back a snort at the pronunciation, "…and Merlin was not much help, either…"

Arthur cleared his throat, realising that he went off track, and he took a deep breath before getting to the big question – "Since you are Astraea's closest male relation, I believe it is only proper that I ask for your blessing in my wish to marry her."

Oliver's mouth fell agape. He had not been expecting this at all! For starters, no one asks 'closest male relations' for girls' hands in marriage anymore. Some guys might ask their fathers, but this is way too unusual for the native Texan. In his mind, the only 'blessing' that Arthur needs to marry Astra is her own. Still, he understands the significant cultural difference between his time period and the one he is inhabiting, so he held back from making a snarky comment about female empowerment.

"Look, man. I hardly know you, but I know Star…" Oliver paused for a second, frowned, and tilted his head slightly; realising that a lot of what he knows about his cousin is probably outdated; but he kept going, "…She wouldn't just give her heart to anyone, so the fact that she chose you tells me that you're worthy of 'er." Arthur's heart-rate accelerated, fuelled by hope. "She's got a spark in her eyes that I never thought I'd see again after the accident. So, yeah, you have my blessing."

Arthur let out a breathy chuckle as a big smile formed on his face. He was about to say something else, but the conversation was abruptly ended by a loud thud coming from the room next door, followed by a bunch of smaller thuds and an angry 'Fork!'.

Oliver and Arthur shared one quick concerned glance before racing out of the room and into Astra's. The King broke through the door first and found the girl standing over a broken shelf, her Funko Pop collection scattered around it. Her forest-green eyes looked up at the two males and her pout turned into a sheepish smile.

"Uh… I was tryin' to clean."

"No backsies," Oliver said as he turned to the King with an unimpressed look. Arthur tilted his head in confusion for a second before moving to help Astra to fix the mess.

"What a beaut!" my cousin suddenly exclaimed, making me jolt and spill some drops of tea on my hoodie. I turned to face him with a glare, only to find his wondrously widened eyes fixed on something across the room. I followed his line of sight to find the prehistoric guitar that Uther lent me a couple of times lying on top of a cabinet.

In a second, Oliver shot out of his seat and went to inspect the instrument more closely.

"D'ya need to be left alone with it, Olly?" I asked, laughter bubbling in my throat as I watched him gently stroke the smooth wood.

"Astra has mentioned that you are a musician," Gaius noted as he watched my cousin with amusement clear on his face.

"Well, if we can call country 'music'," I teased, then I giggled when Oliver turned to me with narrowed eyes and a clenched jaw.

He turned to the physician and addressed him with a proud smile, "That's right, sir. I'm the lead singer in a band." Then he returned his attention to the guitar and picked it up.

I tilted my head in curiosity as he began to strum it. At first the melody appeared aimless, but then I began to recognise the tune and my eyes widened. Oh, no! He's gonna make me eat my words! Giving him a playful glare, I leaned back on my seat and moved Arthur and I's joined hands onto my lap before starting to play with his fingers.

Everyone in the room watched intently as Oliver began to sing.

Fine – I must admit that country music can be very catchy! It can be like an ear-worm, but it doesn't mean it's as objectively good as rock! Still, by the time the chorus of Rascal Flatts's 'No Reins' came around for a second time, I found myself unable to hold back from joining in with Oliver.

We finished the song together and I was snapped back to the present when the people in the room began to clap. Even Agravaine and George! – who was asked to cover for Merlin.

My cousin turned to me with a grin and raised his eyebrows challengingly.

"It's catchy! Doesn't mean it's good music!" I said, stubborn in my position. He rolled his eyes and handed me the guitar, causing my eyes to widen.

"All right, your turn," he told me.

I huffed and narrowed my eyes at him. I have an inherent disadvantage because all we have is an ancient acoustic guitar – which works well for country, but handicaps the complex mastery of rock. Also, Oliver plays music for a living, while I only do it occasionally as a hobby. However, I wasn't gonna whine and give him the satisfaction of beating me at this.

Just like I had, my cousin broke his stoicism by the time I got to the chorus; and if my fairly decent reenactment of 'You May Be Right' by Billy Joel didn't make rock the obvious superior genre in our small audience's minds, it at least put it on an equal standing with country.