Camelot

November, 508 AD

At sunset the next day, we arrived at Caerleon's capital. We will be spending the night in the castle with Queen Annis.

My head was spinning as I hopped off Dallas and I had to steady myself against his shoulder when I stumbled a little. Then I sighed and blinked rapidly for a few moments to get rid of the slight blurriness in my dried eyes while I gathered the strength to keep going. Once my vision improved a bit, I untied my duffel bag from behind the saddle and slung it over my shoulder; then I proceeded to untack my horse before putting him inside the paddock that Camelot's horses were given for the night.

I gulped down what little coffee remained in my thermos before putting it inside my duffel bag, making a mental note to find out where the kitchen is so that I can make another pot as soon as possible. That, or I'll just find a fireplace and make it there. I doubt anyone will mind, and it won't be the weirdest thing I've done.

A hand on my shoulder made me jump, though I quickly relaxed when I turned around to find Arthur.

He regarded me with concern for a moment before sighing and asking, "Are you ready to head in, my love?"

I linked my arm with his. "Yup. Let's go."

The castle is a lot more medieval-y looking than Camelot's. It's made of aged grey stone that could probably tell many tales; and the architecture is much less grand, clearly designed specifically for defence strategies without much care for aesthetics. Though it's still a million times more beautiful than anything produced in the 2020s.

A knight led us to the throne room and a guard announced our arrival to the Queen before letting us inside. The room is dark and has only a couple of windows towards the top of the walls, which don't bring in much light under the darkening sky, making torches essential.

My eyes were momentarily drawn to a fire pit in the middle of the chamber. Maybe I can make a pot of coffee there!

"Queen Annis," Arthur greeted.

The woman stood up from her place on the throne and gave a little grin as she nodded at my King in acknowledgement. "Arthur Pendragon."

Now that I see her up close, I can't help but notice that she looks a lot like Alice's mom in the live-action 'Alice In Wonderland' movie. I grinned a little at the mental connection and glanced towards Merlin, wondering if he might be thinking something similar; but I couldn't see any indications of that on his face.

"I am most grateful that you have allowed us safe passage through your kingdom," Arthur told the Queen with a respectful bow of his head.

"We are allies, Arthur, and these are troubled times," she responded wisely. Then her eyes moved towards me.

Arthur wrapped an arm around my waist and his pretty smile grew as he said, "This is Astraea, my queen."

I felt my cheeks heat up at his words.

"And Knight. Don't forget Knight," I corrected him with a playful pointed look before turning towards the Queen. "I actually had to earn that one, y'know? The 'queen' part's just a fun bonus that came with marrying him, which makes it more his accomplishment than mine, really–"

A flick to my arm made me jump and I turned to find my brother looking at me with absolute mortification on his features as he whisper-yelled, "Astra! Stop blabbering!"

"You allow your servants to speak to your queen in such a manner?!" Queen Annis asked Arthur in agitation.

My poor King looked like he was ready to jump out a window. Partly my fault, probably.

He slapped the back of Merlin's head and sent him a deadly glare before responding to the Queen, "Excuse him, he is just a simple-minded fool who does not understand boundaries."

I giggled and grinned up at my brother, who was already glaring at me.

Queen Annis regarded the sorcerer with clear displeasure for a few moments before sighing and waving our party over towards a door, stating that we would be shown to our rooms by some servants and that then we could reunite with her at the grand hall, where she's arranged a small feast.

I grinned at Arthur when he exited the bathroom after he took a bath and he chuckled when his eyes fell on me. Possibly because of the position I was in – I'd resorted to lying on my back with the upper half of my body hanging off the bed upside down in an attempt to keep myself from falling asleep.

"I'm like a minor celebrity, aren't I?" I asked in a slightly slurred voice. "Everyone has indoor plumbing now. I'm a revolutionary!"

"You are something special, Astra," he responded with a playful eye-roll as he moved to sit beside me.

I sat up, instantly regretting it when the room began to spin, but I ignored that as I curled up next to Arthur while hugging his arm.

"I'm sorry that I embarrassed ya' in front of the Queen. My brain-mouth filter seems to be broken," I said in a mumble while glancing up at him, trying to analyse his expression. Luckily, he didn't seem mad.

He kissed the top of my head before responding, "You did not embarrass me, my love. I thought it was quite amusing."

"Cool. Maybe you can make me court jester, too!"

Arthur laughed and slipped his arm out of my grip, then he wrapped both of his arms around me, pulling me closer. I nuzzled into his chest and took a deep breath, feeling a drop of contentment run along with the anguish that has taken control of my bloodstream for months.

He held me for a few minutes while rubbing gentle circles on my back, and I found myself really struggling not to fall asleep. Thankfully, all thoughts of that ended when he gently pushed me away with a sigh. "I would gladly stay here forever, darling, but it would be rude to skip the feast," he said softly before kissing my forehead. I pouted. "You should get some rest, though. I will be back soon."

I instantly straightened up and shot to my feet. "S'all right. I'll join ya'. I'm hungry, anyway." (Not really, but I don't really feel like being separated from him).

Arthur smiled a little as he also stood up. Then he eyed me up and down. I followed his gaze to look down at my panda-themed PJs, then I looked back up at him while raising an eyebrow. "Is it illegal to walk 'round in PJs?"

"I do not believe so," he responded with a chuckle.

"Let's go, then!" I chirped and grabbed his hand, grinning a little when he playfully rolled his eyes as we walked towards the door.

"What you saw at Asgorath is no surprise," Queen Annis responded after Arthur told her about the slaughtered village we found. "Some months ago, rogue Saxons began raiding our villages. They are rounding up all the men they can find and taking them to Ismere."

My lungs clenched at the sound of 'Ismere' as the thought of Gwaine flashed through my mind and I glanced back at Merlin, who stood behind Arthur and I ready to play waiter, or whatever. I wish he could sit and dine with us, but etiquette and crap. He gave me a reassuring look and I let out a shaky sigh before returning my attention to my King.

"To raise an army?" Arthur inquired.

"People say Morgana is tearing the citadel apart," Annis responded in a grave tone.

"Why?"

"She must be searching for something. I dare not think what."

Iron? Gold? Diamonds? A portal to hell? To Wonderland? To Narnia?

"Then my men may still be alive," Arthur noted with hope shining in his breath-taking eyes.

My heart-rate sped up and I fixed my gaze on the Queen in anticipation of an answer.

"Yes. There is every chance," she said.

I slumped in my chair and let out a long exhale as my body relieved some tension. I mean, obviously, her words aren't prophetic or anything; but she seems to know more about what's going on in Ismere than we do, so I choose to believe that she's right. For my own sanity.

Arthur moved his hand to my knee and gave it a gentle squeeze, coupled with a soft smile that caused my heart to skip a beat. I slipped my hand into his and intertwined our fingers.

"I think it is time for some entertainment," Queen Annis spoke again, her voice now cheery. "I would love to see your fool perform," she continued as her eyes moved towards Merlin, who had moved to pour Leon (who sat to my other side) some wine. I bit back a giggle. "Given all his failings, he must have some skills."

I smiled mockingly at the sight of the nervous grin that swiftly took over my brother's features as he glanced down at me with widening eyes.

"You would think so, would you not?" Arthur said as he frowned and looked up at the sorcerer. "You heard the Queen, jump to it."

Merlin leaned down between Arthur and I, clenching his jaw as his gaze fixed on the King's handsome face. "I'm not a fool," he said through gritted teeth.

"That is debatable," Arthur shot back.

I giggled and shared an amused look with Leon.

My brother glared at us for a second before addressing the King again, this time in a lower voice, "And I don't have any skills."

"I know that," Arthur responded smugly. "But we cannot refuse the Queen when she has granted us safe passage, can we?"

I couldn't help the way in which my insides melted at the adorable mockingly apologetic face that my King made and I found myself grinning at him like an idiot in love. Which, I guess, is what I am.

The people in the room began to clap, which startled me out of my staring trance, and I felt Merlin's hand grip my arm as he gave me a panicked look.

"What do I do?" he asked in a whisper.

I shrugged before responding in the same manner, "You have Doctor Strange powers. I'm sure you can figure something out."

He narrowed his eyes at me for a moment and I gave him an encouraging grin. Then he groaned and reluctantly moved towards the centre of the room.

Well, this is gonna be fun.

Merlin now sported a slightly cocky grin as he pulled three eggs out of the pocket of his jacket. Probably magic eggs, 'cause I've never known him to walk around carrying eggs.

Oh, damn! Has he finally snapped?! Is he gonna egg Arthur in the face?! 'Cause I'd honestly pay good money to see that!

However, my brother had a different solution in mind as he began to juggle, and I broke down laughing, especially when I saw the absolutely dumbstruck expression on my King's gorgeous features. I nudged his side and gave him a wink before returning my attention to Merlin.

The crowd instantly began to clap and egg him on. They're loving his act!

"Yeah, buddy!" I cheered.

He smirked at me and pulled out a fourth egg to amp-up his show, having no difficulty keeping up with the theatricals as a pleased smile formed on his face. He's such a wholesome person! And it's safe to say that he wiped the smug grin right off Arthur's lips.

I tore my eyes away from my copy of Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' to take another sip of coffee from my thermos. I inhaled deeply as I gazed out the open window that stood right in front of me. The morning was cloudy and slightly misty, indicating that it was cold outside and blocking my view of the probably stunning sunrise over the snowed mountain range that sits across the valley from Caerleon's castle.

A strong breeze suddenly hit me, causing me to pull my Avengers blanket tighter around me before I removed my feet from the windowsill and tucked my knees against my chest on the uncomfortable wooden chair I sat on. Then I took another sip of my coffee and went back to reading.

"Did you sleep at all?" I jumped at the unexpected sound of Arthur's sleepy voice and I turned my head to glance at him. He still lay on the bed tucked under the covers, his eyes only partly open as they scanned me.

I puffed and slid the bookmark into my novel before closing it and setting it on the table beside me, right next to my thermos.

"A little," I answered in an admittedly tired mumble.

I heard him sigh. "Did you have another nightmare?"

"Not as bad as the usual ones," I responded in a whisper as my mind went back to the strange dream I had during the no-more-than-two-hours I did manage to sleep.

"Come here."

I didn't need to be told twice before I sprang to my feet and rushed over to lie down next to him. He pulled the covers over us and wrapped his strong arms around me, holding me safely against his chest.

"You are cold," he commented.

"Thanks, I didn't notice," I mumbled sarcastically. Though I really hadn't until just now. My hands were practically ice as they fisted the front of Arthur's shirt and I was shivering. His hold on me tightened and I let out a shaky sigh.

"Try to sleep some more. It is still early," he whispered.

The suggestion of returning to nightmare-land sent a wave of dread through me and I pushed slightly off his chest to look him in the eyes, then I raised an eyebrow.

"Please, darling. You need your strength," Arthur insisted while gently pressing me against his body once more.

"I'm fine," I mumbled.

"Astraea – you promised you would listen," he said sternly this time.

I rolled my eyes before grunting, "Yes, Sire."

Silence befell us and I felt him kiss the top of my head. Then he moved to lie on his back while keeping me tucked against his side with my head on his chest. I threw a leg over one of his and placed a kiss over his heart before closing my eyes, figuring that I should at least humour him by trying to sleep.

It didn't work, but I'd be happy to cuddle with him until the end of the world and beyond.

Arthur and I walked behind our knights with Queen Annis beside us as we moved towards the main gate to her castle.

My vision was slightly blurred, but I did my best not to let the displeasure of that show as I pretended to listen to what the woman was telling my King regarding the best route to take towards Ismere.

The Queen suddenly stopped and moved in front of us, placing a hand on Arthur's shoulder. She had an almost maternal look in her eyes as she regarded him, which warmed my heart to see.

"Morgana has been devoured by hate," she said sympathetically. Don't I know that? "Be careful."

Arthur glanced at me and gave me a small smile before returning his attention to the woman and responding, "We will."

Queen Annis sighed. "Good allies are hard to find. I would hate to lose one."

That pep talk doesn't inspire much confidence, but she gets points for trying.

"Thanks for everything, ma'am," I responded when all she got from Arthur was a grateful nod.

Now she placed a hand on my shoulder as well and showed an amicable grin. "It was my absolute pleasure. I hope to see you again some time."

"That'd be nice, if we make it out alive," I offered a half-joke with a small smile that quickly dropped when her eyes widened and she didn't laugh. "I really need to stop talking," I mumbled to myself and did an awkward curtsy before running ahead so that I could get on Dallas.

I caught up with Merlin – who'd graciously hung back to take care of my horse as the knights rode ahead – and swiftly got on Dallas, trying to ignore his analytical gaze on me.

"You look like an extra from 'The Walking Dead'," he claimed once I was settled on my saddle.

My jaw dropped as I turned to look at him. I might've been offended were it not for the pride that surged within me at his words. I've taught him well!

"Really? No comebacks?"

"Gimme a break, dude. My brain's fried," I shot back before asking Dallas to walk.

Falcon followed my Thoroughbred and fell into step with him while Merlin continued to eye my face warily. "What was it this time?" he questioned in a lower voice as we got closer to the knights.

I sighed before explaining my latest dream, "Madame Mim was a vampire, Gwainester was her living blood bank, n' I was trapped behind a glass wall, unable to help him." He raised his eyebrows in puzzlement. "At least Ai wasn't being hurt this time."

Merlin gave me a sympathetic smile. "I wish there was something I could do to help you," he said softly.

"Make some telepathy juice n' suffer with me?" I suggested with a lazy grin.

"Sorry, but I do not want to know what it is like to sleep next to Arthur," he responded, then he shuddered exaggeratedly as his face scrunched up in disgust.

"But you've already done it! Even before I did!" I shot back while giggling. "Remember that time in that Inn before I was okay sharing with him?"

"Ugh, don't remind me!" he whined. "He hogged the entire bed! I ended up sleeping on the floor!"

I hummed. "I guess you messed up the settings, 'cause he's really like a huge, warm, cuddly teddy-bear."

Merlin narrowed his eyes at me for a few moments, then he scoffed. "The point is – I'm not going to share your nightmares with you as long as you are married to that clotpole."

"Fine, but you can't complain 'bout my 'The Walking Dead' extra looks if you're not gonna do somethin' about 'em," I grumbled in response.

Arthur caught up with us soon and took the front of the pack as he resumed leading us towards Ismere.

"And then..." I took the pencil from Merlin, "a four right here..." I mumbled as I scribbled down the aforementioned number on the sudoku booklet, a small proud smile forming on my lips.

My brother scoffed and snatched the pencil back. "There is a four here, already," he pointed out while erasing the one I'd just made, making me frown and tilt my head at the realisation.

"When did that get there?"

"You wrote it down two minutes ago!"

I winced at his exasperated tone and removed my head from where it'd been resting against his shoulder so that I could glare at him. I was about to say something snarky, but hearty laughter coming from the camp killed my response and I glanced at them, finding that the knights and Arthur were drinking and chatting around the fire. And the sky was now entirely dark. Funny how the world keeps turning while one is trapped inside one's own head.

"I wish I could be that carefree," I muttered under my breath.

"But then you wouldn't be you," Merlin whispered, his gaze also fixed on our companions.

"Would that be so bad?" I questioned while eyeing the alcoholic drink that was being passed around. The idea of drowning my troubling thoughts in aged grape juice has never seemed as appealing as it does now...

Merlin nudged my side and gave me a disapproving look when my eyes connected with his, "Yes, Astra. I cannot think of anything worse. I love you the way you are. Crazy or not."

My heart skipped a beat and I quickly hugged him tightly as dumb tears pooled in my eyes. "I love you, too, buddy." He returned the embrace and sighed.

"Astra, Merlin," Arthur said as he climbed up the little hill my brother and I sat atop.

I separated from Merlin, wiped at my cheeks, and lifted my gaze to meet my King's eyes. "Hey, Artie," I greeted, my voice barely above a whisper.

He frowned as he sat down next to me, instantly wrapping an arm around my waist and drawing me to his side before he turned to my brother with a questioning look and a clenched jaw. "Did you make her cry?"

"Not in a bad way, don't worry," I rapidly responded.

Merlin snorted and returned his attention to the still laughing knights, his face contorting in displeasure. "How can they laugh and joke?" he asked in a weak tone.

Arthur hummed in response.

"Don't they know what we will face in Ismere?"

At that, Arthur's expression softened and he nodded. "Yeah, of course. But a warrior learns to enjoy each day as it comes."

"Because he knows it might be his last," Merlin noted, not meeting Arthur's gaze as he stared at the ground sadly.

"Why are you so upset?" my King inquired, his tone gentle.

Merlin looked at me for a moment before responding, "Morgana is powerful. She is dangerous."

Yeah. She tried to turn me into her very own Winter Soldier.

"I know," Arthur replied.

"And you don't care?"

"Only about my men," my King responded while glancing back at the knights. "They are more than friends, more than brothers. No matter what lies ahead of me... I will not abandon them, as I know they would not abandon me."

"N' we gotta save Gwaine," I added in a mumble, feeling my heart clench. 'And Aithusa,' I added in my mind as I looked up to make eye-contact with my brother, hoping that he could somehow sense that thought.

"And we will," Arthur stated, then he kissed the top of my head. I grinned up at him for a moment before looking at Merlin again.

"Yes, we will," he echoed.

A sigh escaped me as my body relaxed a little. We're well on our way to Ismere... I can only hope we aren't too late. Ha, never mind, the slight relaxation is gone.

"Come and have some food," Arthur told us before standing up, and he gallantly helped me to my feet. I'm not really hungry, but I don't wanna worry them by not eating. So I followed him down the hill and figured I would get a bite or two.