Camelot

April, 507 AD

[warning: panic attacks]

I gently asked Dallas for a canter and we moved along the fence before turning to face the intimidating oxer that was set up in the middle of the arena. I sat back on my saddle, placing all of my weight onto my butt (or, y'know, what passes for one), and I raised my hands just a little to compress my horse's body as his ears perked forwards. Then I let him stretch all out during the last three strides and stood up in my stirrups as he raised his front legs. I lowered my chest towards his mane and moulded myself to his body to help him stretch over the jump. We landed safely on the other side and the cremello let out a snort as he lowered his neck, releasing some tension after the demanding task.

"Yes! Good boy!" I praised him and rewarded him with a half-carrot when he halted. I smirked triumphantly when I heard Gwaine, Elyan and Percival cheering from the other side of the fence. I turned towards them. "Well, there ya' have it, fellas! Dal and I could win a Grand Prix."

"You could win more than one, Trae!" Gwaine chirped, making me smile widely.

"Do not encourage her," Merlin scolded him in a grumble, and he raised his hands in mock surrender. I stuck my tongue out at my brother – who spent an entire day listening to my playful arrogance as I went around trying to make bets that Dallas and I could clear a 1.60m jump. Though, sadly, no one had wanted to bet against me; so the challenge is only personal.

"Raise it one more?" I pleaded with Merlin, giving him my best puppy-dog look.

He clenched his jaw. "You already cleared the height you wanted."

"Yeah, but I'm ambitious," I replied with a smirk.

"Just do it. You know that she will not take 'no' for an answer," Elyan chipped in. I shot him a wink, earning a playful eye-roll.

My brother huffed, but he raised the jump anyway.

I smiled at my small victory and moved Dallas to the edge of the arena before asking him for a canter again. My eyes became fixed on the centre of the tall jump as I steered the Thoroughbred towards it, containing his strides until I was able to find the perfect take-off spot. Then I let him power forwards.

"What the hell are you doing?!" An alarmed male voice caused me to lose focus and remove my attention from the jump. Luckily, my horse sensed my distraction and went around it instead of over, possibly saving me from breaking my neck.

Freaking Arthur!

"Well, I was about to fly on Air-Horse, but some really hot dude distracted me," I replied with a smirk as I moved Dallas to stand in front of the King, who now stood between Gwaine and Elyan, sporting a bewildered expression.

"That thing is taller than you are! You will get hurt!" Arthur exclaimed in return.

"We already got over it," I revealed smugly. His eyes widened. "Wanna see?"

"No!" he almost yelled in return. Then he looked at Merlin and ordered, "Put that thing down, Merlin!"

My brother shot me a glare.

"Oh, come on! Let her have her fun!" Gwaine interjected with a smirk.

Arthur scoffed.

"Just one more jump. Please?" I asked with a pout.

"I think that our King doubts the Little Menace's abilities," Percival stated with a grin, earning a glare from Arthur and a giggle from me.

"Why would I doubt Astra?" Arthur questioned while cutely scrunching up his nose.

"Prove that you don't and let us jump," I challenged.

"Let them jump! Let them jump!" Gwaine chanted and I joined in.

"All right," the King finally relented with an eye-roll.

The knights and I cheered and I repeated my previous actions on my horse.

Dallas surged forwards as soon as I loosened my hold on the neck-rope and he strode decisively before taking off and stretching over the big oxer. The absolute bliss that followed momentarily was one of a kind and I felt immortal for a second. There's nothing like being in complete synchrony with a horse as you soar over a pair of wooden poles together!

The knights cheered again when we landed and I rewarded the cremello again, then I turned to smirk at Arthur. He shook his head at me and walked away.

"Tough crowd."

Dallas and I galloped ahead of the team forty-eight hours later as we travelled through the forest on our way to investigate some assaults in some town somewhere… I didn't really pay attention during the debrief.

"Astraea, slow down!" Arthur called out to me.

What is his problem lately?!

I let out a frustrated puff and slowed my Thoroughbred down into a floaty trot, giving the rest a chance to catch up.

Gwaine and Cinderella (Fallyn is resting after the knight insisted I teach her how to jump yesterday) were the first ones to appear beside Dallas and I. Then Arthur and Tequila, Percival and Promesse, Leon and Faye, and finally Merlin and Falcon. Elyan stayed home to look after Gwen, who came down with a cold.

Arthur gave me a stern look before taking the front of the pack, keeping the pace at a walk. I rolled my eyes and clucked at Dallas to get him to mirror Tequila's stride. I kept my gaze on Arthur and let my eyes shamelessly scan his gorgeous face – just 'cause there's nothing more interesting to do.

He seemed oblivious to the pair of eyes fixed on him as he expertly navigated the thick forest, causing a smile to gradually form on my lips. The concentrated look on his breath-taking features is adorable!

"Arthur? You are not serious!" Merlin's concerned voice as he appeared beside the King broke my one-sided staring contest and I turned to him with a frown.

"What else do you have in mind?" Arthur questioned.

"Anything. Nothing good ever happens in the Valley of the Fallen Kings. No one in their right mind would go in there," Merlin said rapidly, causing a cute smile to form on the King's lips.

So I guess we're in the Valley of the Fallen Kings. But I still don't get the issue. It's not like the place is haunted… I think. I mean, we passed through here with… Lancelot… and nothing bad happened.

"Exactly," Percival replied to my brother.

"The route is a secret, Merlin. That is why we chose it," Arthur added.

Dallas suddenly froze in his tracks, staring intently at something above a steep slope beside us.

"Hey. What's wrong?" I asked softly as I ran my fingers through his mane, hoping that that would ease him up. The rest of the horses began to get shifty as they, too, lost focus on their riders.

Then I heard it – male shouting and the clanging of metal. Within seconds, a band of armed men barrelled down the slope, causing my heart to shoot to my throat. I loaded my bow and mentally prepared myself for a fight.

"Not so secret after all!" Merlin quipped as he shortened Falcon's reins.

"No need to get cocky!" Arthur grunted as he drew his sword and nudged Tequila forwards.

More men came up behind us, only these bunch were on horseback.

"Dallas – go!" Yet again, Dallas showed me why we make such a good team as he bravely carried me galloping parallel to the thugs while I fired arrows at them. Many of them didn't even bother to slow down and try to attack my team when they noticed us. We have a huge advantage, you see, since all they have are swords and can't engage in combat from a distance.

We managed to dismount about a dozen of them before circling back to return to where we left the team behind; since I know that they might need help with the on-foot invaders.

"Trae!" I heard Gwaine's voice.

I halted my horse for a few seconds and looked around, trying to find my friend.

A moment later, Cinderella came blazing towards Dallas and I, a terrified look on her face. She slid to a stop next to us and let out a nervous whinny. I quickly reached to grab her reins and gently led her head to rest it against my thigh so that I could rub gentle circles on her forehead until she began to relieve tension.

"Gwainester?!" I called out once the mare was relatively calm.

My heart sped up when I heard some leaves rustling and I aimed my bow. Then I relaxed when Gwaine stumbled onto the scene. He had a little bit of blood trailing from a small cut above his left eyebrow and he walked with a slight limp, but seemed okay otherwise.

"Ah, you got her," he noted while gesturing towards Ella.

I nodded. "What happened?"

"Thug pulled me off. Last thing he ever did," Gwaine replied with a small smirk. I snorted and handed over the mare's reins so that he could get back on her.

"Where are the guys? Merls? Artie?" I quickly questioned as my intestines twisted in worry.

"I do not know, we were all separated," he responded in a gentle tone.

I gulped as I felt the air being knocked out of my lungs and my hands instinctively tangled into Dallas's mane in search of some grounding that would keep me functional. I drew in a few shaky breaths.

"Well, they can't have gone far. We'll find 'em," I stated, trying to sound confident. Gwaine nodded and he reached forwards to squeeze my arm.

We exchanged a nod and began to trek through the forest in search of our friends.

It wasn't long before we found Leon and Percival, along with their mares. All four of them looked relatively healthy, which I was grateful to see. But the heavy worry wasn't lifted off my chest because neither knight was able to tell where Arthur and my brother may be.

And to make matters worse, the sun is beginning to set.

"R-right. O-okay. Gwainester n' I will continue on the path we were supposed to follow," I attempted to take charge with a shaky voice and trembling hands. "Perci and Lee – y-you guys go towards Camelot. M-maybe they went back."

"It is getting dark, Astra. We should camp and wait until morning," Leon countered in a soft voice.

My eyes widened at his wild suggestion. "Dude – they could be hurt!"

"He is right, Trae. We should rest and continue looking at first light," Gwaine stepped in. I glared at him, but said nothing, knowing that I was outnumbered judging by the apologetic look that Percival was giving me.

"Fine," I grumbled and begrudgingly slid off Dallas.

About half-an-hour later, the four of us were gathered around a campfire. The two blonds had dozed off almost as soon as they'd sat down, and I could tell that Gwaine was close to falling asleep as well, but he seemed to be fighting it while continuously scanning me with his gaze.

I know why. I haven't stopped nibbling on my bottom lip since I got off my horse, my leg keeps bouncing uncontrollably; and the dizziness I felt, coupled with the tightness in my chest, suggest that my skin is likely paler than usual.

Suddenly, Gwaine's hand was gently placed above my restless knee, forcing the movement to stop. "They will be fine, sweetheart," he claimed. "Merlin is smart enough to keep them both alive through the night," he added with a playful wink. I forced a snort.

He's right, though, I guess. Merlin would never allow anything bad to happen to Arthur, and if something did happen, I know he'll do anything in his great power to help him... But what if my brother is the one injured? The King has zero knowledge on how to treat a wound! As much as I know he cares about him, I doubt he'd be much help in case of an emergency.

My breath got caught in my throat as my heart-rate picked up, and Gwaine quickly pulled me to his chest. "Breathe, kid. Everything will be all right, I promise," he whispered gently. I gripped his shirt as I tried to match his breathing, and the constriction in my lungs eventually eased up, allowing me to inhale freely.

"Thanks," I mumbled, not pulling away from his comforting embrace.

I woke up the next morning to find two more horses grazing alongside Dallas, Faye, Promesse, and Cinderella. I instantly recognised them as Tequila and Falcon and began to panic all over again. Gwaine was quick to stop me from spiralling once more while Percival and Leon watched in horror; and when I was done being a crybaby, we saddled our equines and began our search without exchanging many more words after agreeing that we should all stick together, rather than split up.

The tornado raging mercilessly inside of me threw out an interesting thought.

"Lee –" I softly called out to Leon, "if only the council knew the route we were gonna take, how did the thugs know where to find us? That didn't seem like a random attack..."

He tilted his head in contemplation and frowned. Then his eyes widened. "They could not have known. Not unless..." He trailed off and gulped.

"There's an impostor among us," I completed.

"We shall bring this up to Arthur the first chance we get," Leon assured me.

"Well, we gotta find 'em first," I pointed out and asked Dallas to speed up. The suggestion of getting to play detective again sparked a new surge of energy within me and the catastrophic thoughts were thrown to the backseat of my brain for a minute.

"There are footprints down here," Percival noted after a few silent minutes and he hopped off Promesse, crouching to analyse the ground. Leon dismounted Faye and joined him.

"They are fresh," Leon whispered and he held a finger to his lips as he began to follow what I assume to be a trail. I can't make anything out, but I'm taking their word for it. I hung back as Gwaine also joined the tracking efforts.

Suddenly, a figure appeared behind Leon under the shadows of an enormous tree and he quickly turned around to strike at it, only for his blow to be intercepted by another sword.

My heart skipped a beat as the figure stepped into the light.

"Arthur," I breathed out and I leaped off Dallas to run towards him.

He dropped his sword and lifted me up, wrapping me tightly in his arms. I clung to him while nuzzling into the crook of his neck and took in a few deep breaths. He's real. He's alive. He's okay. Or at least I think he's okay.

I jumped off him and took a single step back so that I could scan his body and make sure that he really is okay and has no injuries. He stopped me before long by cupping my face in his hands and forcing me to look him in the eyes. "I am all right, my love," he promised. I let out a shaky sigh and let myself fall against him. He pressed a kiss to the top of my head and gently rubbed circles on my back.

I pushed away once more when I realised something that left me feeling as if a cold water balloon had just been flung at my face.

"Where's Merls?" I questioned in a whisper while looking around us. My heart began to speed up again when Arthur didn't respond. Instead, he let his head drop and let out a shaky breath. My respiratory system froze over. "Where's my brother?!" I pressed.

Arthur looked at me again and gulped before replying in a remorseful tone, "We... uh. We got separated."

The world around me began to spin while a clawed hand squeezed my lungs. I staggered a little.

Merlin is missing.

Like, actually missing and not just on some secret quest – or I'd know about it.

I know that he has the power and intelligence to survive alone – but what if he comes across someone more powerful than him?! What if he's been badly injured and is unable to use his gifts?! What if he's been kidnapped again?! What if he's dead?!

No, no, he can't be. What would I ever do without him?

My whole body was suddenly being enveloped by something and I fought the grip for a second before letting up when I realised that it was only Arthur. His voice sounded like it was above water while I was being held under it, faint and barely intelligible, as he demanded, "Astra, breathe!"

"Do not yell at her, you will make it worse," Gwaine cautioned in a soft tone. "You have to take deep breaths, remember?"

Arthur sighed and he started to rub my back gently again as he took deep breaths. "Just breathe, please," he whispered this time.

He dipped his head and gently brushed his nose against the side of my neck. I focused on the feeling of his soft exhales against my skin and wrapped my arms around his waist.

In out in out in out in out.

In. Out. In. Out. In. Out.

In... Out... In... Out...

"M'sorry," I whimpered as I tightened my grip on him.

"It is all right, Astra. We will find him," he assured me.

I nodded. Yes, I'll find Merlin. Whatever it takes.

"What?! No! You can't keep me here!" I argued with Arthur when he had the audacity to suggest I stay in the castle with him while the rest of the team, Agravaine, and some other knights go out to look for Merlin.

"You are not in any state to be out there right now," he countered softly while brushing his thumb over my knuckles.

If you must know, I had another panic attack when we arrived back at the castle and I reunited with Gaius. So, like, ten minutes ago.

"I can't just sit here and wait!" I exclaimed as I removed my hand from his grip and started to pace the width of the council room, already feeling my lungs getting constrained again.

I wish I had a switch that could turn off emotions!

"I am sorry, love, but I believe it is what is best at the moment," Arthur said softly while placing his hands on my shoulders, forcibly halting my restless movement. I glared up at him. "I cannot lose you, too," he whispered as his hands travelled to cup my face.

"We haven't lost Merls, he's just missin'," I mumbled weakly.

"Yes, and they will find him. I promise," he responded.

I nodded and let my head drop to his chest. He moved his arms to wrap them tightly around me. His warmth and the steady beating of his heart were enough to get my breathing back to normal again.

"Hey, how about you teach me how to play that game you like?" he asked after a few silent moments.

My eyes widened as I pulled away from him slightly so that I could look at his face. His proposal was completely serious and, while I don't really feel up for it, I figured I might as well agree. Beats sitting in the dark while my thoughts spiral into absolute chaos.

"Sure," I breathed out. "Lemme just take a bath and I'll meet you in your room?"

"Of course," he replied with a nod and leaned down to kiss me gently. "I love you."

"I love you, too, Artie."

I snorted when Arthur moved his queen right in front of my bishop. "Ya' sure you wanna do that?"

His enchanting cerulean eyes moved onto me for a second and he narrowed them as they returned their attention to the board, then he tilted his head slightly and pouted a little. I couldn't help the small grin that pulled at my lips from watching him. His eyes suddenly widened and he returned the queen to her previous spot, then he bit his lip.

He grunted as he leaned back in his seat before grumbling, "I am at a loss."

I snorted again and uncurled my body, sitting properly as I leaned forwards to move his queen to the only place where she'll be safe. For now.

"Oh," his mouth fell agape. I winked at him and quickly moved my knight to threaten his queen once more before smirking and curling up on my chair again. "Now I get why my father was always complaining," he muttered before starting to silently analyse the board once again.

Our game was interrupted by a knock on the door. I sighed as Arthur went to open it. It was Louis. He announced that the search party was back. The graveness in his tone told me that they didn't bring any good news and my heart clenched. Actually, that's an understatement. It felt as if an evil sorcerer had a grip on it and was trying to pull it through my chest.

I rearranged my blanket around my shoulders so that I could stand up with it.

"Maybe you should wait here, Astra," Arthur said softly as he returned to my side and grabbed my hand.

"No, I wanna go," I responded and walked towards the door before he could try to argue. I heard him sigh heavily and he rapidly caught up to me, slipping his hand into mine once more.

All the councillors were already gathered inside the council room when we got there, and no one looked happy. Especially Gaius, who sat two seats away from Arthur's chair at the head of the table.

With a spinning head and a pounding heart, I went to take the empty spot next to the physician. However, my actions were stopped when Arthur pulled me sideways onto his lap instead, and he wrapped his arms firmly around my waist.

I gulped under the perplexed gazes that fell on us from around the room. And I noticed that Agravaine didn't appear particularly pleased. But the King didn't seem to mind the stares as he motioned for his uncle and Leon to talk.

What can a girl do but cuddle up to her Prince Charming while awaiting the inevitable bad news?

"We have scoured the forest," Agravaine stated.

"Scour it again," Arthur quickly demanded.

"Sire… there is no sign of Merlin," Leon said.

My hand gripped Arthur's as my lungs threatened to shut down. Again. I need to post a complaint to the factory that made them, 'cause this is getting ridiculous…

"None but this," Agravaine said as he moved around the room, and he placed a grimy piece of cloth on the table in front of us.

I instantly noticed the splats of blood on it. And, judging from the fabric, it likely came from my brother's jacket.

I suddenly couldn't draw in air.

Oh, crap. Not again.

Arthur tightened his grip on me and kissed the side of my head as he whispered, "I need you to breathe, darling. Please."

I squeezed my eyes shut and turned my face to hide it against his shoulder, my hands gripping his shirt tightly as I fought to contain my emotions.

I can't break down like a little baby in front of all the councillors! They'll wanna take away my knight title!

"I am sorry you have lost such a loyal and–"

I cut Agravaine off as I turned to face him while trying to ignore the tears that cascaded down my cheeks in hopes that the rest of the people in the room would, too, "No! This doesn't prove he's dead! He could still be out there!"

"My Lady–"

"She is right," it was Arthur's turn to interrupt him. "We will not give up until we find him." He gently squeezed my side in reassurance as he gave his uncle a stern look. The man sighed, but let the argument go and stepped backwards.

I took in a long, shaky breath and let myself fall back against Arthur's chest. I'm so lucky to have him. He gently pried one of my hands off his shirt and held it in his, softly running his thumb across my knuckles.

"The mercenaries, what news of them?" he then asked the search party.

"We found no trace," Leon responded with a grave look.

"Surely sent by that snake Alinor," Agravaine muttered.

"It cannot be," Arthur claimed as he shifted slightly in his seat, his arms never losing their protective hold on me. "How? Our route was known only to a few within Camelot."

My eyes jumped to Leon, as I recalled the conversation we had in the woods. He nodded at me before saying, "Then there is only one conclusion we can draw." All eyes turned to him. "We have a traitor in our midst."

I shifted on my bed again and accidentally knocked my Hulk pillow to the floor. I groaned and stretched to get it back before cuddling back into my array of Avengers pillows and blankets, trying to find some comfort and strength in them while I watched 'Captain America: The First Avenger' for the thousandth time. Though I was hardly processing what happened on the screen of my tablet. My mind is trapped in another dimension where Merlin is the one being tortured by HYDRA.

Arthur had insisted that I spend the night with him, but I'd argued that he needed to rest and that there was little chance of me getting any sleep, which would've led to the two of us being exhausted tomorrow. I'd reassured him that I'd be all right while 'reading books' until I eventually, hopefully, drifted off. He hadn't been too happy, but relented all the same.

Now I'm starting to wish I'd stayed with him. This time, my heroes can't seem to stop the images that are flashing through my mind, and I really need something firmer than a bunch of pillows to hold onto as I continue to go mad with worry for my brother.

However, the movie did give me an idea. Possibly a stupid one – but it's 3:00, I'm exhausted, and we all know that I'm not the sanest person in the world; so I'm skipping over that detail. And, after all, defying authority and storming into an enemy camp all on his own to save his best friend worked for Steve, right? So why shouldn't it work for me?

With a tired but determined mind, I scrambled out of bed and changed out of my PJs and into my Captain America sweatshirt, my black bomber jacket, grey riding leggings, and my riding boots. I grabbed my sword, my bow, and a map; and quietly snuck out of the castle and went to get Dallas.

It didn't occur to me until we were galloping into the woods that I have no idea where Merlin could be. So I simply figured that I'll make my way towards the Valley of the Fallen Kings and take things from there.

Arthur woke up to some light shuffling inside his room, and he was decently pleased to find that he actually slept very well, despite the fact that his servant is missing and that his girl has been a nervous wreck because of it.

He recoiled when he noticed a figure standing at the foot of his bed and blinked rapidly to adjust his eye-sight, soon finding a dark-haired, blue-eyed, lanky guy dressed very similarly to how Merlin usually does. However, he's definitely not Merlin.

The guy introduced himself as 'George', and he stated that he is to be Arthur's new manservant in the absence of the missing boy. The King's disorientation worsened when he spotted his dining table clattered with a fancy-looking breakfast buffet, and George soon moved to serve a plate.

However, Arthur wants none of that. He wants to get Merlin back before his beloved Astraea goes crazy. (Also, he wants his friend back – though he will never admit that aloud). He's determined to ride out as soon as possible and find him. So he shooed off George in hopes that he might be able to get his ideas straight when being left alone.

He regretted it almost instantly as he realised that he'll have to dress and feed himself.

Arthur was pulling on a sock with more trouble than he should be having, when he was startled by frantic knocking on his door. A million scenarios raced through his head – anything from Astra needing a hug and some reassurance, to Merlin having been found – as he rushed to open the wooden portal.

He was surprised to find Guinevere on the other side.

"Is Astra here?" she instantly asked while glancing around his room without seeming to care much about whether it's very appropriate to do so or not.

Arthur's heart-rate immediately started to rise at the question. "No, why?"

Gwen bit her lip and began to pace the corridor, causing the King's anxiety to worsen as he awaited a response, now fearing for Astraea's life.

The maidservant stammered a little before finally responding, "I-I went to bring her her breakfast after hearing that she has not been down to the kitchens yet, but she was not in her chambers."

"Dallas is gone, too!" A bewildered Gwaine suddenly appeared on the scene.

Arthur gulped, immediately guessing what his girl did. He mentally cursed himself, thinking that he should've made her sleep in his room, rather than simply suggesting that she did so. He should've known better than to trust that she would stay in the castle if he told her to!

With his heart caught in his throat, Arthur hurried to finish putting on his boots and chainmail before rushing out of his room to look for the knights of the round table. To his surprise, they were already gathered in the courtyard, on horseback, and Tequila was saddled as well.

Once the team got to the Valley of the Fallen Kings, they split up to cover more ground.

Arthur didn't know how to feel about being paired up with Gwaine. On the one hand, the brunet has really crazy ideas and never stops talking, which can get annoying at times. On the other hand, he seems to know Astra better than most.

Gwaine warned him about keeping the younger girl on too tight a leash when they were hiding after Morgana stole the crown. After they lost Lancelot, Gwaine had (after unloading a puzzling amount of rage upon him for daring to try to be the one to sacrifice himself and hurt Astra in the process) cautioned him against being too harsh on her in the aftermath, stating that she didn't do anything that he wouldn't have. And Gwaine seems to know exactly what to do about her panic attacks.

Arthur would never admit it to anyone, but he is jealous of the relationship that Astra has with his knight. And with his manservant. She always seems to be so carefree around them… Always smiling… There seems to be an unspoken understanding among them that he can't quite grasp.

"What was she thinking? What kind of genius plan is this a part of?" Arthur threw the question to the air in an effort to break out of his troublesome thoughts – half-hoping that Gwaine would have an answer.

"I do not believe she planned this. She simply wants Merlin back," Gwaine responded with a shrug.

"Astra always has a plan," Arthur argued. "She is always bragging about it."

Gwaine snorted in a manner that, to Arthur, felt almost condescending, and he shook his head.

"What?" the King pressed.

Gwaine regarded him with an analytical look for a few moments. Then he finally spoke, "I am going to tell you something about Trae, but you have to promise me you will not use it against her."

Arthur frowned. Why would he ever seek any sort of leverage against Astra? All he wants to do is make her happy and protect her!

The knight raised his eyebrows, prompting the King to nod. "Of course, I promise."

"She has done a very good job of convincing everyone, including herself, that she is driven by pure genius," Gwaine said. "She is not."

Arthur recoiled. Is he calling Astra dumb?! His jaw clenched. How dare he–

"Do not get me wrong, Astra is incredibly intelligent," the knight continued before fury could rain down on him. "However, she is driven by her heart. Passion, love. It is why she makes rash decisions when she is overcome by emotions."

The King looked away from his friend and mulled over his words for a few moments. His mind once again returned to what Gwaine told him after the incident with the torn veil. 'Trae did not try to sacrifice herself because she thought it was the smartest thing to do. She did it because she cannot stand the thought of living without you or Merlin.' She didn't run away to find Merlin because she has a masterful plan to get him back. She did it because she cannot stand the thought of living without him.

A shiver ran down his spine.

"How do I control her, then?" Arthur questioned. Gwaine certainly is much wiser than his wild persona had led him to believe!

Gwaine scoffed and shook his head. "If you wanted someone you can control, you should have picked one of those courtier daughters who are always fawning over you."

Arthur scrunched up his face, the words sounding repulsive as they registered in his brain. He could never 'pick' anyone else. It was over for him the moment he fell for Astra. It's not his fault that she can be so stubborn and reckless!

"However things are done in America, Trae was not raised to bow down to any kings and follow orders without question," Gwaine added. "She does whatever feels right for her, even if it may be crazy. You cannot control her, but you can contain her impulses and give her a shoulder to lean on."

"How do I do that?" the King asked softly. Maybe his pride is taking a few blows from how his knight seems to understand his girl much better than he does, but he swallowed the acidic feeling. He will listen to anything if he means that he can be better for Astra.

"That is something you have to figure out on your own," Gwaine stated.

Arthur sighed and looked away from his companion, his eyes fixing on the path ahead as he kept considering Gwaine's words.

Even if Astra is a seemingly endless indecipherable puzzle, he wouldn't have her be any other way. And he will happily spend the rest of his existence pouring his heart into figuring her out.

"You know what I like about Merlin?" Gwaine spoke up again after a few minutes. "He never expects any praise. All these things he does just for the good of doing them–"

Arthur cut him off by holding out a hand when he heard a rustling sound in the near distance.

The pair hopped off their horses and drew their swords.

More rustling.

"Almost there, buddy," came a voice they both know too well, sounding slightly strained, followed by a masculine groan.

The pair eased-up simultaneously and Arthur breathed out a sigh of relief as he took a few steps forwards.

Seconds later, Astraea stumbled out from behind a couple of trees, with a mud-covered ('covered' meaning he was more mud than human) Merlin using her for support as he limped. Behind them walked Dallas and Falcon.

"Oh, thank heaven!" Arthur exclaimed, his soul relaxing as a smile formed on his lips.

Merlin and Astra froze in their tracks as the girl's eyes widened. Then she smiled sheepishly with her body cowering slightly.

"Hey, Artie, Gwainester," she greeted with an awkward wave of her free hand, her eyes not meeting the King's as she shot an innocent grin towards the knight instead. "I, uh... I found Merls–" She grunted when her brother stumbled slightly, putting more weight on her. "A little help here?"

Gwaine rushed to take Merlin from her, not even flinching at the terrible smell – almost like sewage – that was coming from him.

"It is good to see you both," the knight said with a big grin. Merlin gave him a half smile while the girl beamed up at him for a moment before turning towards Arthur.

Arthur rapidly closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms tightly around her small frame, easily lifting her off her feet and prompting her to wrap herself around him. "You scared me," he whispered as he breathed her in. She smells a little bit like whatever Merlin is covered in mixed with vanilla and something else (coconut, but he doesn't know what that is).

Astra let out a long sigh as she nuzzled into the crook of his neck, something that always drives his senses crazy. It makes him feel like he's her safe place, where she can hide from the world and relax.

He gently set her down before certain parts of his body could start reacting and he began to scan her for injuries.

"I'm fine, Artie. I didn't have to fight anyone," she rapidly assured him. "I found him passed out in a yucky bog somewhere over there…" She motioned in the general she and Merlin had just walked from in a nonchalant manner.

Arthur sighed in relief and he kissed her forehead before going to Merlin and hugging him as well. He heard Astra chuckle and glanced at her to watch her sharing an amused smile with Gwaine.

"We were planning a pool party in the creek," the girl announced with a grin once Arthur released Merlin.

Merlin rolled his eyes before clarifying in a slightly raspy voice, "I was going to get cleaned up because she would not let me get on Falcon otherwise."

"Same thing! Let's go!" she chirped.