Camelot

December, 506 AD

Arthur gave the knights a whole week off from training following the ghost-banshee nightmare. We were all very grateful for it. But even with the time allowance, getting back into it was dreadful. The usual jokes and light-heartedness that used to accompany the sessions were replaced with faraway looks, a silent atmosphere, and begrudged engagement.

Obviously, we all miss Lancelot like crazy. I know that nothing will ever be the same without him. Even though the team has only been together for about four months, strong bonds have been formed, and now an important piece of the puzzle is missing. One that can never be recovered, let alone replaced. But I know that, eventually, we will just have to get used to living with that stinging hole, lest everything fall apart.

Bored with the monotony of shooting at a straw dummy on the seventh day of training, I dropped to the ground and lay on my back, closing my eyes and enjoying the faint sun rays hitting my face as I awaited further instructions from Arthur.

"Is archery not exciting enough for you, Trae?" I heard Gwaine ask.

I opened my eyes to find that he'd moved away from his spot on the field and he was now standing above me, looking down with a hint of amusement in his gaze.

"Not when all we do is shoot at unmovin' dummies from a single spot for hours," I mumbled in reply.

"Yeah, I agree. He really needs to spice this up soon," he responded as he plopped down next to me, sitting criss-cross. I followed his gaze when his head turned to look at the handsome Prince, who was engaged in a serious-looking conversation with Elyan.

An idea popped into my head.

"Well, d'ya wanna spice it up?" I asked Gwaine as I turned to him with a smirk.

He mirrored my expression. "Let us do it."

Trying to appear as casual as we could, my friend and I went to retrieve our arrows from our dummies and then we scurried away towards the horse paddocks. We quickly tacked up Dallas and Fallyn, and took off galloping back towards the training field with our bows in our hands.

"Move!" I called out to the knights that were still practicing their aim, and they quickly darted out of the way as my Thoroughbred and I ran past them.

I let go of the neck-rope so that I could aim at the dummies and my horse continued to blaze down the grassy expanse as I shot at the straw people, one after the other. I got most of them in the head, a couple in the chest, and only one arrow didn't hit anything. Out of twenty-four, I couldn't help but feel proud.

"Beat that!" I called out to Gwaine, whose chestnut mare was running a couple of metres behind Dallas.

"What the hell are you doing, Astraea?!" Arthur snarled with a bewildered expression as the cremello and I slid to a stop in front of him.

"Hey, Princess Peach," I greeted him innocently. He narrowed his eyes at me. "Gwainester and I thought that we should spice things up."

"It was getting boring," Gwaine excused as he stopped Fallyn next to Dallas. I grinned at him before turning to the Prince again, noticing that he was now trying to hold back a smile.

"You are a little menace, are you not?" Percival asked me with an amused look as he eyed the result of Gwaine and I's little horseback archery competition. I couldn't help the wondrous feeling that overcame me at the name he called me.

"Why, yes. Yes I am," I replied with a proud grin.

Percival chuckled, then he exclaimed, "My turn!" and took off running towards the paddocks.

"You will not be able to beat me!" Elyan shouted at him as he chased behind.

Only Leon remained now.

"C'mon, Lee. You know ya' wanna," I pressed him.

The curly blond gave Arthur a hesitant look. "Go ahead," the latter relented. Leon smiled and ran after the other two.

"You, too, Artie!" I chirped.

He stared at me for a few moments, his eyes narrowed as we held a quick staring contest. Finally, he sighed, averted his gaze, and relented before going after the knights. Gwaine and I shared a triumphant smirk and a high-five.

About an hour of pure dumbass fun followed. I think it's the first time that we've all genuinely laughed together, following Lancelot's abrupt departure, and I think he would've been happy to see it.

I was hanging out with Merlin and Arthur while the former did his chores and the latter took care of some uninteresting state business, when a joyous trumpet sound called my brother and I's attention. We shared a puzzled look and then darted towards the window to peek out of it, looking down at a commotion in the courtyard.

Multiple horse-drawn carts adorned in colourful banners and carrying mountains of suitcases entered the courtyard in a line. People in clown makeup danced around them with big smiles on their faces while throwing something akin to confetti in the air. Some juggled, some did backflips and other gymnastics moves, and there was a guy playing with fiery sticks.

I watched as a man performed a backflip off another man's shoulders. "Darn!"

"Oh! Did you see that?!" Merlin asked in excitement while turning to Arthur with a smile.

The Prince looked especially handsome wearing a dark blue shirt that accentuated the entrancing colour in his eyes. However, his face was completely stoic and unimpressed. He joined us by the window for a moment and rolled his eyes. "It is a man throwing sticks in the air," he muttered. Then he gathered the documents he'd been working on off the desk and began to walk towards the door.

Merlin and I shared a confused look and we turned around to face Arthur. He seemed deflated... almost sad?

"Are you okay, Artie?" I asked as I moved towards him, slipping my hand into his. Merlin walked close behind me.

"It is your birthday! A huge feast is being held in your honour! You have got dancers, jugglers and acrobats to entertain you..." Merlin listed in a displeased tone. "It must be a terrible burden."

I gave him a pointed look before returning my attention to Arthur.

"Your uncle insisted, but we can do something smaller..." I suggested, wondering if he harbours similar feelings towards his birthday that I do towards my own. Considering that his mom died when he was born, I don't think it's an outrageous thought.

He looked down pensively, but didn't respond.

"I am really looking forward to it," Merlin commented with a grin.

"Because you have the mind of a child," Arthur shot back, causing me to snort. Then he let go of my hand and left the room. I pouted at the loss of contact.

"And yet I am still more intelligent than him," my best friend whispered as the door closed. I nodded in agreement.

"I heard that!" Arthur called out, causing us both to chuckle.

I was about to run after him – I kinda have to, seeing as I'm still the King's advisor – but Merlin stopped me from doing so by asking, "What did you get him?" as he moved to make the bed.

I sat down on the dining table and felt my cheeks warm up as I looked away from his curious gaze. "I, uh..." I cleared my throat, "I made him a painting, but I'm starting to think it's stupid."

My brother's eyes widened and he grinned a little. "A painting of what?"

I bit my bottom lip and glanced at the door before pulling out my phone to show him a picture I took of the piece.

Merlin grabbed the device from my hands and his jaw dropped. "Astra, this is incredible!"

The heat taking over my face worsened. "It's terrible," I mumbled.

"No, it is really good. He is going to love it!" my brother countered as he returned the phone. I shoved it in the pocket of my riding leggings and zipped it up.

"I'll be happy if he doesn't hate it," I said in a low voice. Merlin gave me an encouraging nudge and returned to his task. "Anyway, I should probably catch up with him. I'll see ya' later," I said before giving him a quick hug and then I rushed out of the room.

Salem greeted me with a cute little 'meow' when I entered Uther's room, causing me to smile. I picked up the cat and hopped to sit on the desk right next to where Arthur was sitting on a chair beside his father. Then I set the little ball of black fur on my lap.

I soon noticed that Uther's eyes seemed just a bit brighter today, while Arthur's mood was still totally deflated. He did give me a small smile when our eyes connected, though, while his father continued to look off in the distance.

Arthur cleared his throat before starting to give his dad the daily debrief on what is going on in the kingdom – "The Court discussed the annual levy this morning. The council has suggested we raise it, but Astra and I feel the people are already overburdened–"

"We should not talk about matters of court today," Uther cut him off in a sluggish and grave tone. My jaw dropped. He's finally talking again!

The Prince's dazzling blue eyes widened as his head snapped to look at his father. "Father?"

"'S everything all right, Utah?" I asked softly.

Uther glanced at me for a second and then he returned his attention to Arthur as the ghost of a smile formed on his lips. "You think I would ever forget that today is the anniversary of your birth?"

I couldn't help the excitement that his words filled me with, and I turned to look at Arthur with a smile, my heart warming when I noticed that his mood had finally shifted to a positive note, his eyes shining with emotion as his lips curved upwards.

"I take it there are plans for suitable celebrations this evening?" Uther inquired softly.

"A feast, and, uh, some entertainment," Arthur replied. "I will tell you all about it tomorrow."

"Nonsense," Uther said as his smile became more apparent. "You think I would miss my son's anniversary?"

Arthur finally allowed himself to smile and my heart skipped a beat at the sight. I reached over to give his shoulder a gentle squeeze and his eyes found mine as his smile grew.

The three of us settled into a nice conversation in which Uther slowly recounted some anecdotes of Arthur as a child, which were entirely priceless, especially when the Prince seemed embarrassed by some of the stories.

After about a half-hour of chatter, we figured that it was time to start getting ready for the feast, so Arthur and I went to leave Uther's room.

However, before I could cross the door, the King called me back while motioning for his son to keep going. I shared a frown with Arthur, but complied with his dad's request and returned inside.

"You have always been very good to him, Astraea," Uther stated before I could even ask what was up.

I gulped and shifted awkwardly as my stomach felt a bit queasy. "Well, you know that I care about him a lot. He's an amazing guy," I replied before starting to nibble on my bottom lip.

"Would you do one thing for me?" Uther asked, his face serious. I nodded instantly. Even if I felt a bit scared that he might say something unpleasant. I'm just relieved that he's interacting with me again. "Stay by his side, even if it is just as an advisor," he said. "He needs you."

My jaw dropped and my heart began to race. "I-I think he needs his father."

Uther shook his head. "No, he has not needed me for a long time. But I have seen the way he looks at you…" I tilted my head. "Like you are the only light in the world…"

My eyes almost jumped out of their sockets and I could feel the blood rushing to my face. I felt a pang of guilt in my chest. Contrary to my past apprehensions, he obviously wouldn't disapprove of our relationship, which makes me feel guilty that we're still keeping it a secret from him. But it's just until I'm ready to take the next step and get married!

"Promise me you will be with him," Uther pressed.

I nodded again. "Yeah, of course. There's nowhere I'd rather be."

"Ugh, the things I do for these people," I grumbled as Gwen started brushing my hair while I sat in front of my vanity desk. She insisted on helping me get ready for Arthur's party and I ran out of arguments to do it by myself against her admittedly sharp retorts.

"By 'these people' you mean Arthur?" she asked with a giggle.

"Yeah," I grunted. "That stupid jerk with his stupid perfect face and his stupid sweet personality–"

"You truly love him," she cut me off with a knowing look. I felt my face get warm.

"Yeah..." I replied as I looked down at my fiddling hands. She gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze and returned her attention to her task.

"All done," Gwen said as she stepped back a few minutes later.

I braved to look up at the mirror and found that she created a very complicated-looking side dutch braid. It's not anything extremely extravagant, but it's certainly a lot more than I would've accomplished on my own. I have to admit, it looks really good.

"Thanks, Gwennie," I told her with a small smile. She squeezed my shoulder again in return.

"Do you need any help with the dress?" she then asked.

I sighed and looked over at the red dress that hung from a shelf. A very modest crimson piece with golden crossed trimmings around the neck, waist and biceps; and a golden cord zig-zagging over the chest.

"Nah, I think I can manage. Thanks, though," I answered.

Gwen gave me a smile before leaving and I quickly changed into the dress, leaving my light grey base-layer and black leggings underneath.

I glanced over at the dumb painting I created and felt a slight constriction in my chest along with a pang of regret. What was I thinking? What's Arthur gonna do with a childish drawing? It's not like he has a fridge to stick it on!

The idea came to me when I was bathing one night while racking my brain for something unique and original to get him, but now I think it's cheesy and ridiculous. It's way too late to try to find something better, though. So, with a sigh of resignation, I grabbed the stupid thing and sprinted the short distance from my room to his.

The Prince opened the door before I could even knock and his eyes widened for a second before he smiled. "Astra, you look incredible!"

My face warmed to a million degrees, my heart did a bunch of cartwheels, and I averted my gaze while mumbling an awkward, "Thank you."

"I was just coming to get you," he added.

"Well, I beat you," I replied with a small smirk.

I looked him up and down once I got over the flushed state he put me in. He wasn't dressed any differently from what he usually wears to feasts – black clothes with a red cape. But he still looked completely breathtaking to me and I suddenly couldn't stop staring.

"You look great, by the way," I told him.

His smile widened as he whispered, "Thank you, my love."

Then his eyes travelled down to the canvas I was clutching against my chest. I puffed and pushed him back inside his room before closing the door.

"I-I made you a little somethin'," I mumbled, slightly stuttering, as I looked down at the object, still not willing to reveal what it contains. "It's stupid a-and lame, but..." Ι trailed off and sighed as I glanced up at him for a second.

"I doubt that," Arthur said gently.

I bit down on my bottom lip and finally handed him the piece. I took a step back as he looked it over and I kept my eyes fixed on the floorboards, half-fearing his reaction.

It's a 30 x 60cm canvas that has a silver horse drawn on one side and a golden dragon on the other, both in a cartoonish style, and they face each other with their foreheads almost touching. The background contains a black outline of the Camelot castle and the horse's half is painted baby blue, while the dragon's half is painted red.

"I'm sorry, it's stupid, I should've gotten you a cool sword or something," I said as I willed myself to look up at Arthur again. I recoiled when I noticed that his eyes were teary.

He met my gaze as a smile formed on his soft lips again. "Astra – I love it."

"C'mon, you're just saying that."

He set the painting atop his dining table and closed the distance between us, cupping my face in his hands. "That is the most thoughtful gift that anyone has ever given me," he claimed.

Really? That's kinda sad.

"Uh. Well. You're welcome, I guess," I mumbled as my heart-rate accelerated under his intense gaze. He leaned down to kiss me and my body instantly relaxed while my insides melted. "Happy birthday, Artie," I said with a grin once he pulled away. "I love you three-thousand."

Another kiss.

"I love you, too. More than anything in the world," he whispered.

This time I reached up to kiss him again as my heart grew fifty sizes in my chest. Then he hugged me tightly and we stayed in each other's arms for a minute or two.

Until Merlin came barging in and made us jump apart.

He let out an exasperated sigh. "What are you doing? Everyone is waiting for you!"

Arthur and I shared a sheepish look while we both blushed.

"I was just giving him the stupid thing I made," I excused us.

"It is not stupid!" Arthur scolded.

Merlin walked over to the table and looked the painting over. I dropped my head in embarrassment once more. "I told you he would love it," he said after a few analytical seconds while shooting me a grin.

"Shush it," I grumbled.

He chuckled. "All right, let us go!"

Arthur offered me his arm, which I happily took, and we walked together to the grand hall where, sure enough, all the courtiers, knights and guests were already sitting. I was pleasantly surprised to see Uther sitting at the head of the table and wearing his crown, his lips sporting a hint of a grin.

The Prince pulled out a chair for me. "Thanks," I mumbled while feeling a blush forming on my cheeks yet again. Then he moved to sit between his dad and I, his hand instantly reaching for mine under the table and intertwining our fingers.

Dinner was served and then the interesting circus show began in the middle of the room. Acrobats jumping and performing flips, dancers dancing, clowns juggling... you get the gist. It was fun. Merlin, especially, seemed to be having the time of his life; and I love to see him smiling so genuinely.

After a while, the music ceased and clapping and cheering echoed throughout the room.

A white-haired man, who seemed to be the leader, stepped forwards.

"I require a volunteer!" he announced loudly as the performers stepped aside to reveal a big circular wooden board behind them with a target painted on it.

My eyes widened. This can't be good.

My heart stopped for a second when the man set his gaze on Arthur and I gripped his hand tighter.

"Prince Arthur," the man challenged as he stepped closer to us. "What better or more fitting occasion for you to demonstrate your legendary bravery?"

Arthur's eyes widened and he looked down at me for a second. I rapidly shook my head, silently begging him not to be an idiot.

"Do you accept the challenge?" the man pressed, causing Arthur's eyes to return to him momentarily before they glanced around the room.

The knights and courtiers watched him expectantly.

Do these people have no survival instincts at all?!

He squeezed my hand and gave me an apologetic look before letting go and standing up. "Of course!"

I huffed in exasperation and threw myself back on my seat, accidentally hitting my head. I forgot that the backrest is so high. Luckily, I don't think anyone noticed my stupidity.

My heart slammed against my chest as I watched Arthur walk around the long table so that he could join the circus in the middle of the room. I held my breath for a moment when Merlin intercepted him and they appeared to have a hushed conversation. I know that my brother likely tried to stop him from getting himself killed, but whatever he said seemed to have no effect when the Prince shrugged him off and continued on his way.

Merlin and I shared a fearful look as the performers strapped Arthur onto the big circle. Then I glanced at Uther – who was freaking smiling! What is the matter with people?!

It is clear to me, now, that there are only two living brain-cells in the castle. One belongs to Merlin, and the other one to me.

Gaius and Gwen seem worried, too…

Okay, fine, four brain-cells.

Needing some comfort, I dashed to Merlin's side and gripped his arm tightly.

My eyes widened when the white-haired man stuck an apple in Arthur's mouth and I recoiled at the sight. They call this a birthday celebration?! I call it public humiliation!

Then the man spun the circle.

"Ah, I can't watch," I mumbled to myself as I turned around and hid my face in Merlin's chest. He quickly wrapped a protective arm around me and began to run his hand up and down my arm. I could feel his quickened heart-rate, which made my own anxiety worsen.

I jumped and fisted the front of my brother's shirt when I heard metal collide with wood, followed by a collective gasp and then a round of applause. I still refused to uncover my eyes as my body started to tremble.

Another collision, more gasps and claps.

My lungs felt constricted.

Breathe, dumbass, breathe! We don't need a panic-attack right now!

I felt Merlin shift slightly and heard him whisper some unintelligible words. Something's happening! I forced myself to turn around, just in time to watch a flying knife strike a spot on the wooden wheel just a few centimetres beside Arthur's head.

More cheering erupted and I let myself fall back into my best friend's embrace. "It is all right. It is over now," he assured me gently.

The spiritually-draining celebration lasted for about another hour and, by the end of it, the Prince was too drunk to get back to his room on his own. I was shocked to see it, since he's never been one to drink excessively, but I guess that the thing with the spinning circle left a sort of residual effect on his brain-cells (or lack thereof, as we've established).

"So, you are telling me you were not even a little bit scared?" Merlin asked incredulously as he and I followed after Arthur to make sure he wouldn't get hurt as he stumbled through the corridors towards his room.

"Of course I was not. I am a warrior. You learn to control your fear. To channel it..." He cut himself off with a gasp as he tripped over his own feet.

"Well, you looked scared," Merlin commented.

Arthur ran face-first onto the door to his bedroom, seemingly forgetting that it exists as a barrier between the outside and the inside.

"I have to rethink my life choices," I mumbled. Merlin pulled Arthur back so that I could open the door. The Prince stumbled in, not even acknowledging what happened. My brother and I shared a concerned look.

He seems so... off.

My eyes widened when he started to unbuckle his trousers without warning.

"And that's my cue to leave," I said as I quickly turned my back to the scene to face my best friend. "Good luck with 'em. See ya' tomorrow. Love ya'," I told him rapidly. I kissed his cheek and sprinted out of the room before I could see things that I'm not ready to see.