Camelot

December, 506 AD

I was just drifting off to sleep when my eyes widened with the realisation that I forgot to feed Salem. I'm still not entirely sure that Uther is aware that he's kinda supposed to take care of him, so I just do it myself – or ask Gwen to, if I'm unable – under the hope that it will soon stop being necessary.

With a sigh, I threw on the first hoodie I found – my blue camouflage one – ventured outside my room.

I sluggishly made my way towards the King's room, and I halted for a moment when I saw that the doors were wide open. That's unusual…

I tilted my head and entered, instantly hearing some quiet whimpers.

"Utah?" I called out softly while stepping further in.

"Astra," I heard Arthur's voice instead. I entered the bedchamber and my heart blasted off when I found the Prince on the floor, cradling his unconscious father's body on his lap. There was another unconscious – or maybe dead – man lying nearby. The leader from the circus!

My soul twisted when I saw that Arthur was crying and I rushed to drop beside him. He tucked his face in the crook of my neck and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders.

I scanned the King and my breath hitched when I saw the small pool of blood on his chest.

"What the heck happened?"

"H-he... the man... tried... he saved me…" Arthur kind of responded in between whimpers, causing my stomach to churn. I tightened my grip on him and kissed the side of his head.

"I'm gonna get Gaius, I'll be right back," I said. He nodded and lifted his head. I kissed his cheek, choosing to ignore the salty taste from his gut-wrenching tears, and then I took off sprinting.

Five minutes later, I was being squeezed half-to-death by Arthur's strong grip on my body as we stood near Uther's bed while Gaius inspected him with the help of Merlin and Gwen.

The King was frighteningly pale and his breathing was shallow. But, as long as he breathes, I know there's hope. I might not be his biggest fan, but I don't want him to die. Especially not because of how it might hurt Arthur. He already lost his mom on his birthday! This is a cruel joke!

"Gaius – c-can you treat him?" the Prince asked once Gaius seemed done.

The physician let out a sigh as he stepped closer to us. "The blade has touched his heart," he replied in a low voice. "He is bleeding inside."

My own heart clenched inside my chest. I felt Arthur's body tremble slightly and I tightened my grip on him.

"There must be something… There must be something you can do," he pressed. I bit down hard on my lip, knowing that there isn't. Not in this century. "Please, Gaius."

"It is just a matter of time, I am afraid," Gaius responded softly, making my own eyes well up with tears. "I am sorry, Arthur."

Gaius, Merlin and Gwen retreated after that, leaving Arthur and I alone with the unconscious King.

My brain felt like an erratic ball in a game of pinball, bouncing against the walls of my skull as it tried to process everything, and figure out a way to perhaps save Uther, and figure out a way to somehow make Arthur feel better…

I looked up at Arthur and the terrified look on his face broke my soul completely, but I know that I have to remain strong for him. He has been my rock so many times, it's only fair that I return the favour. So I swallowed my emotions and started to rub gentle circles on his back. He nuzzled into the crook of my neck, and it wasn't long before I could feel his tears hitting my skin.

Oh, this sucks!

This sucks so much!

Uther was finally starting to recover from the devastation that Morgana caused! He was smiling not two hours ago! Celebrating, and laughing! And encouraging a bunch of men to fling knives at his son's head… And now? Well, now his hours are counted and I don't know what to do!

I mean, I could take the risk of contacting Leo. But even then, how would we even get Uther to the time machine? He'd bleed out before we could even make it down the stairs! And I know that my former classmate would never agree to sending an entire medical team to help us. It's too dangerous for many different reasons.

I pressed a kiss over Arthur's heart. "I... uh…" I paused to try to swallow the lump in my throat. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Just stay with me," he said weakly.

"Always."

The early morning found me firmly anchored to Arthur's side as he and I stood in the council chamber with Leon and Agravaine – who have been placed in charge of leading the investigation on the attack, and they have some news.

"We traced the assassin to the town of Whenham," Agravaine informed. "It is in Odin's land. It seems he hired him to kill you to avenge the death of his son."

Arthur slowly nodded in understanding.

I bit down on my bottom lip. Odin sure is a stubborn ass! Can I blame him? I'm not sure… I mean, I don't have any sons… But I have Dallas. And I know that I'd burn the Earth and turn it upside down to avenge him if anyone hurt him…

Agravaine let out a sigh as he stepped closer to the Prince and I. "Everyone's thoughts are with you, Arthur," he stated softly. "But, um, if there is anything I can do..."

"Your support means a great deal to me. Thank you," Arthur replied monotonously.

Agravaine and Leon both gave a respectful bow and they shared a nod before leaving the room.

Arthur sighed and dropped his head, then he turned slightly so that we were standing chest-to-chest (or more like chest-to-face, I guess) before wrapping his arms entirely around me. I returned the embrace and rubbed gentle circles on his back.

Merlin entered the room moments later, looking serious.

The Prince raised his head and tensed up as he inquired, "What news of my father?"

"There is no change," Merlin responded sadly.

"Well, why is not Gaius doing something, then?!" Arthur spat, making me flinch at the change in tone.

Merlin and I shared a wary look. "Because there is nothing he can do," he replied gently.

Arthur let out a shaky breath and he tucked his face into the crook of my neck again.

"Thanks for the update, buddy. Keep us posted," I told Merlin, who responded with a small nod before leaving the room.

I sighed as I watched him go, then I turned my attention fully onto Arthur and held him tightly while reaching up to run my fingers through his hair. I began to nibble on my bottom lip, quickly drawing blood, as I wondered how I will ever be able to help him get past this. I'm far from being the poster child for dealing with loss in a healthy manner…

At around 18:00, Arthur reluctantly got away from me for a little while so that he could take a bath. I took the opportunity to do the same. And in the bathtub, away from prying eyes, I finally allowed myself to cry a little.

I couldn't help it. Even if Uther is far from being the nicest person on Earth, I still grew somewhat attached to him. For some crazy reason, he saw something in me and took me in – I would say almost like a second daughter, but that would be a bit awkward considering my relationship with his son. He believed in me, trusted me (except for that time when he almost had me burnt at the stake), and looked out for me in his own Uther-y way. I know that I'm very grateful to him, and I hate that I won't be able to tell him that now. I mean, I could, but he's unconscious and wouldn't hear it.

Once I managed to get my emotions back under control, I got out of the warm water and dried myself before getting dressed in a black v-neck shirt, my baby blue hoodie, my black bomber jacket, black riding leggings, and white runners. Then I plopped down on my vanity chair and started to brush my hair; though I was interrupted halfway through by a knock on my door.

I rushed to open it, knowing that it was probably Arthur.

I was surprised to find Gwaine instead, dressed in his knightly clothes.

"Hey, Gwainester. What brings ya' 'round?" I asked as I leaned against the door frame in an attempt to block his line of sight from accessing the inside of my room – even though I know that he can easily see everything by looking over my head.

"I wanted to check on you before Leon drags us out again," he answered with a small grin. I returned it. "How are you holding up, kid? I know that you and the King were close."

I puffed and shrugged. "I'm okay."

"Are you?" he pressed while raising an eyebrow.

I hate how easily he seems to be able to read me!

"Not since I was three, but I don't let it hinder me," I tried a joke.

Gwaine snorted and pulled me in for a hug. I let out a shaky sigh and clenched my jaw out of fear that I would start crying again.

"Astra!" Merlin's alarmed voice caused us to separate.

"Yeah?" I asked as I turned around, finding him dashing down the corridor towards me.

"Sorry, Gwaine – I need to borrow her," he said quickly and he grabbed my arm, dragging me away from my room before I could lock it.

"Don't ya' dare go in!" I warned Gwaine as I stumbled after my brother. I only earned a smirk in response and my eyes widened as fear twisted my gut.

"What's so important you had to almost dislocate my arm?" I asked Merlin when he finally let go of me upon entering Gaius's apartment. The physician seemed a bit startled at our sudden appearance.

Merlin slammed the door shut. "Arthur wants to use magic to heal Uther," he dead-panned.

"Wha–" my eyes widened in shock. "I leave him alone for half-an-hour, and he comes up with that?!"

Well, I guess I don't entirely hate that idea… Not even close. Not even a little bit. Not even at all.

A lot of good could come from it.

Or it could backfire terribly.

"Arthur is planning on using magic?" a bewildered Gaius questioned.

"He is desperate," Merlin responded. "He knows it's his only hope of healing Uther."

I let out a puff. It makes perfect sense.

"Merlin, please tell me you are not going to do this," Gaius said, looking slightly terrified.

"I would be lying if I said 'no'," Merlin replied.

"You cannot risk exposing yourself like this. It is too dangerous," the physician stated.

"He doesn't have to expose himself," I pointed out.

"Exactly. Arthur did not recognise me last time when I was eighty years old. There is no reason why he should this time," Merlin added.

A small grin formed on my lips. He's brilliant!

"Need I remind you the last time you used an ageing spell, you nearly had yourself burnt at the stake," Gaius argued.

"But we saved him," I countered.

"Barely," he shot back.

"It is worth the risk," Merlin decided.

"Do you think Uther is going to thank you for healing him with magic?" Gaius questioned. "He is more likely to have you hanged!"

"Hence the old man disguise," I said.

"Uther will never change his attitude towards magic. I know that," Merlin conceded. "But if Arthur allows it to be used to heal his father, his attitude will be changed forever. He will see that magic can be a force for good!"

I saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes and felt the same thing rise within me. Oh, how great would life be if he didn't have to hide his true self from Arthur?!

"You of all people should know that the use of powerful magic is fraught with danger," Gaius pushed back.

"If it works, I will not have to hide any more," Merlin replied.

"And if it does not? I cannot stand by and watch you do this Merlin."

"Well, ya' don't have to watch," I mumbled under my breath, earning a glare.

"And do not try and stop me, because... you cannot," Merlin asserted.

Gaius recoiled. "You are playing a dangerous game, Merlin."

"I have been playing a dangerous game since the first time I set foot in Camelot," my best friend responded. "Maybe this is my chance to change that."

"Sorry, Pops. We gotta try," I backed him up.

And with that, we left the physician's apartment and went back to my room, where we sat for a couple of minutes to solidify a plan. Then we went to find Arthur.

He turned to us immediately after we entered his room and his arm instantly reached towards me. I walked over to him and gladly allowed him to use me as a teddy-bear again. "What did Gaius say? Did he have any information?" he then questioned Merlin. I could feel his rapid heart-rate.

"He did not know much. But he has heard of a sorcerer," Merlin replied. "An old man who lives in the Forest of Glaestig. Gaius thinks he may be able to help you."

"Will he lead me to him?" Arthur inquired.

Merlin shook his head. "No, he has told us all that he knows," he motioned towards me and himself, "we will have to find him ourselves."

The Prince let out a shaky breath and gave me a gentle squeeze. "If you two were me, and it was one of your fathers… would you use magic to save his life?" he asked softly.

"Definitely," I instantly replied.

"Yes, I would as well. I would do whatever it took," Merlin responded decisively.

Arthur sighed and looked down for a few seconds before squaring up. "Prepare the horses. Gather supplies. We ride at first light," he commanded my best friend.

Merlin and I shared a small smile before he left the room with a bit of a skip in his step.

"Would you stay the night?" Arthur asked me in a low voice after a few moments.

"Yeah, of course."

He smiled a little and kissed the top of my head. "I will go to inform Agravaine of my decision and I will be right back."

"Okay."

"This could change both of our lives," Merlin commented in a whisper while we were teaming up to groom Tequila.

"Yeah. Life's gonna get really fun if you don't have to hide your abilities anymore," I replied with a small grin.

"And, if Arthur's attitude towards magic changes, he might be more receptive to learning about your secret," he added.

I tensed up a bit. "Maybe, but I'm not sure I'd wanna risk it," I mumbled. He turned to me with widening eyes. "It's just... Everything's been so amazing with him, y'know? What if that changes?"

"I do not think it would. He is way too in love with you," he replied with a bit of a teasing grin and he gently nudged my side.

I felt my face get hot and I threw a ball of shedded horse hair at his face. He gasped and retaliated by slapping my arm with Tequila's saddle pad, making me laugh.

"I will have you thrown in jail for assaulting my Lady-Knight," the unexpected sound of Arthur's voice startled me, but I quickly recovered and smirked at my friend, who was now frowning.

"She started it," he argued.

"And I'm gonna finish it!" I exclaimed before trying to tackle him, but it didn't work because my weight isn't enough to bring him down, so I was left awkwardly part-hanging from his shoulders while he chuckled.

Then I realised that we're wasting precious time by goofing off and I composed myself. "Quit screwin' around, Merls!" I scolded playfully while returning my focus to saddling Tequila. He narrowed his eyes at me, but said nothing else as he went to prepare Falcon, then he helped me with Dallas, and the six of us were finally able to set off.

Merlin led the way to a cabin that we've come across a couple of times during our herb-collecting trips for Gaius; a place that we know to be empty because we've never seen anyone around.

"Are you sure this is the right place?" Arthur inquired as he hopped off Tequila. "It looks like a charcoal maker's hut."

"Well, it's not like he can make a living by practicing magic," I pointed out with a shrug. "'Cause, y'know, he'd be burnt at the stake."

"Yeah, I think that a lot of sorcerers are in the charcoal business," my best friend added. I tilted my head at the dumb unnecessary statement, but didn't comment on it.

In any case, Arthur seemed to buy the excuse and didn't ask further questions. So Merlin and I hopped off our horses, too, and I quickly loosened Dallas's girth and secured my stirrups.

Merlin held on to Falcon and Tequila's bridles while Arthur and I walked towards the hut hand-in-hand.

However, the Prince stopped moving when he realised that my brother wasn't following us. "Are you joining us?"

Merlin instantly shook his head and said, "We don't want to overwhelm him." Arthur gave him a weird look. "He probably doesn't get many visitors. I will stay out here and watch the horses."

"I have never met anyone who is so scared so often," Arthur spat.

Merlin and I shared an amused look, knowing very well that he's the one freaked out by the situation. After all, we're not the ones who've had the fear of magic sown into our hearts from the day we were born.

"Scream like a big girl if there is any trouble," the Prince grunted before continuing towards the hut and pulling me along.

"Do not worry. You will hear me," Merlin responded.

I smirked triumphantly at my friend behind Arthur's back and he sent me a wink.

Arthur knocked on the door. Obviously, there was no response. He frowned and hesitantly opened it, peeking inside. "Hello?"

"Maybe he went out, let's wait inside," I told him and pushed the door fully open before stepping in.

Arthur's eyes widened and he tugged me backwards. I frowned up at him and watched as he warily glanced around the small place. I shrugged off his grip and hopped to sit on a table.

"What are you doing?!" he questioned in alarm.

"Sitting down…"

He gulped and took a few more steps away from the door. Just a little more, and Merlin might be able to sneak away easily and get changed…

"Ya' scared, Peaches?" I asked teasingly when he didn't make another move.

"No," he replied instantly as he narrowed his eyes at me.

"It'll be fine, Artie," I told him softly. "Gaius wouldn't have sent us here if he thought it was dangerous."

He let out a sigh, but kept on looking around restlessly. "Maybe we should wait outside," he proposed and moved back towards the door.

"No!" I instantly protested. He turned to me with a frown and I racked my brain for a reasonable excuse. "It's cold outside and I didn't bring my blanket…"

It worked, since he stepped towards me with a softened look. He went to sit next to me on the table, but the sword on his hip accidentally hit a pot and it fell to the ground, shattering upon impact. I bursted out laughing, especially when I saw the adorable lost puppy expression that came over his handsome face.

A creaking sound right outside made me straighten up. Arthur moved to shield me with his body as he faced the door.

Merlin, now transformed into an elderly man, entered the hut. He carried some herbs in his hand. A displeased expression formed on his aged features when he turned around. "You," he grunted at Arthur.

I waved at him.

"You," Arthur growled as he tensed up.

Right, there's a hole in our plan. He's already met old!Merlin and it wasn't exactly a pleasant experience for him. Oops!

"So we meet again, Arthur Pendragon," Merlin stated while narrowing his eyes.

Arthur's hand quickly moved towards his sword and I jumped to grab his arm and stop him from drawing it.

"Hey, easy, we're not here to kill 'em!" I scolded.

"Astra, he tried to kill you!" he argued.

Fair enough.

Deflect with humour? Deflect with humour.

"Artie, things will get very awkward very fast if you try to kill everyone who's ever tried to kill me 'cause I'm on that list, like, three times; so then you'd have to kill me, and then yourself," I countered, speaking way too quickly.

His eyes widened in horror as he turned to face me. Okay, maybe that was a bit too dark… But it succeeded in deterring him from killing Merlin – so who cares?

Of course, we could tell him that Merlin's alter-ego hadn't actually been trying to get me killed, but taking the fall for Morgana seeing as we couldn't expose her back then; but the subject around her is still a sore one for Arthur. Besides, revealing what really happened that time could open the door for many more questions that might land us in a world of trouble.

Merlin's wrinkled eyes gave me a momentary indecipherable look before he returned his attention to Arthur and walked closer to him, fixing him with a glare. He halted when he stepped on the remains of the shattered pot and he looked down at it, then back up at the Prince.

"I broke a pot," Arthur pointed out the obvious. I had to bite back a chuckle.

Merlin scoffed and walked around him, going to grab a broom that rested against the wall behind us. "You always were a clumsy fool," he accused as he handed the item to the Prince.

"Excuse me?" Arthur said as he recoiled.

The sorcerer sniggered as he went towards the back of the cabin to do... something. Y'know, I gotta hand it to him – he's a great actor. I should take him back to my time, send him to Hollywood, and he'll be set for life.

Arthur frowned down at the broom.

"You do know how to use it; don't ya', handsome?" I taunted with a wink. It earned me a pointed glare, but he said nothing as he began to sweep the mess.

How I wish I could take a photo of him actually performing house chores…

"So, if you have not come all this way to kill me, why have you come here?" Merlin inquired. "I take it you did not come all this way just to smash my favourite pot?"

I swallowed a laugh. Oh, yeah, he could win a thousand Oscars.

Arthur dropped the broom and grabbed my hand before starting to walk towards the door. I stared up at him as shock washed over me. "If I had known who you were, I would not have come at all," he grumbled in response to Merlin without looking back.

What?! He's seriously gonna throw away this opportunity just 'cause he's got beef with my best friend's alter-ego?!

"Wait, Art, stop," I demanded. He obeyed and looked down at me with a confused expression. "Just tell him why we're here. It won't hurt to ask."

He looked down and said nothing as he clenched his jaw.

Stubborn mule.

So I rolled my eyes and turned to address old!Merlin, "We wanted to ask you if you'd be willing to use your magic to heal King Uther from a fatal injury."

"But given your hatred for my father and everything he stands for, we have clearly wasted a journey," Arthur added through gritted teeth, making me squeeze my eyes shut in frustration for a moment.

"Do not suppose that you know my mind," Merlin wisely replied.

The Prince faltered and finally turned to face him again, his eyes shining with a glint of hope. "Will you help me?" he asked softly.

I gave my best friend a pointed look. He can't concede so easily, or Arthur might think there's something weird going on. Which there definitely is, obviously, but he can't know it.

"You are asking me to save the life of a man who would have me executed," Merlin responded. I'm so glad that great minds think alike.

Arthur gulped as his eyes welled up with tears again. "I know what I am asking of you, and you have no reason to help me…" His voice broke a bit. "But you are my father's only hope. I will give you anything you ask for. Land, gold... name your price."

I gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

"I do not want your gold!" Merlin snapped. "All I have ever wanted is that people like me can live in peace. That those who practice magic are accepted, rather than hunted! That is all I ask."

My heart churned, knowing that these are his genuine feelings. I bit down harder on my lip again as I looked up to Arthur, awaiting a reaction. He seemed pensive as he looked at the ground.

"That is the price of your father's life," Merlin added.

Arthur's eyes met mine and he gently ran his thumb over my knuckles.

"Do what you think is best, Artie," I told him softly, knowing in my heart that he will do the right thing. "I'll support you no matter what."

He sighed shakily and turned back to Merlin, "I give you my solemn word. When I am King, things will be different. You will not have to live in fear."

I smirked to myself and gave his hand another gentle squeeze. This is awesome!

"Then I will help you," Merlin said with a big beaming smile and he approached Arthur, offering a handshake. The Prince seemed a little puzzled, but he surrendered his hand all the same. The sorcerer then gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze and we shared a small grin.

"There is no time to waste, "Arthur stated as he moved to open the door, still holding onto my hand. "We must ride for Camelot immediately."

Merlin and I froze.

There's another hole in the plan.

"Now?" Merlin asked as we shared a panicked look. .

"My father weakens by the hour," Arthur responded.

Oh, crap, this is going sideways very quickly!

"But… I have no horse," Merlin protested.

"You can use Merlin's," Arthur said, causing Merlin to gasp. "He will just have to walk back."

"You would make your servant walk back to Camelot?!" my best friend grunted with a glare. "I have a good mind not to help you!"

I bit my lip again to keep myself from laughing at his theatrics.

"I do not care whose horse you use!" Arthur retorted. I frowned; now fearing that he'd dare to ask me to give up Dallas. "We have to get to Camelot before it is too late!"

"First, I must gather some rare herbs. They are an essential part of the cure," Merlin quickly countered. "I will come to Camelot at nightfall. If you want my help, that is how it needs to be."

I sighed in relief. I'm glad that he's so smart.

Arthur sighed and clenched his jaw, but nodded. "We will meet you at the lower gate outside the town," he sternly told Merlin. "Give me your word you will be there."

"You have my word," Merlin replied softly. Then he froze for a moment as he looked me in the eyes, raising an eyebrow. He glanced down at his clothes.

Ah, right, he needs time to change back to normal.

"Now just wait here one moment," he commanded the Prince while walking around us and heading towards the door.

"Why?" Arthur questioned. I bit my lip and tightened my hold on his hand, fearing that he would push past Merlin anyways.

"Questions! So many questions!" the sorcerer snarled. "For once in your life, would you just do what you're told?!"

Arthur recoiled as his eyes widened, which caused me to snort. I kissed the back of his hand.

"Don't worry, Mr. Sorcerer. We'll wait," I assured my friend and shot him a wink. He gave me a grateful look and hurried outside.

Arthur frowned down at me and raised an eyebrow.

"He's doing us an immense favour, the least we can do is listen to his requests," I excused with a shrug.