Camelot

July, 509 AD

Gwen watched with a flabbergasted expression as I was using the calculator app on my phone to run some numbers related to inter-kingdom crop exchanges over the past month, based on the reports from the Lords around Camelot.

"Y'know, I usually have to do this by hand?" I mumbled in between clicks. "I mean, it keeps the mind sharp, but it's a hassle and a waste of paper. Not to mention, I gotta translate everything to Arabic numerals first, and then back to Roman..."

"Where did you learn mathematics?" she interjected.

I quirked an eyebrow as I glanced up at her. "It's, like, the most basic subject in school worldwide... In the twenty-first century, at least."

She averted her gaze to her hands, which were resting atop the desk, and I straightened up while tilting my head. Then my eyes widened in realisation. My friend spent most of her life working as a serving person... I doubt she knows any math!

"Do you... know... any... maths?" I asked hesitantly, worried that I might make her feel bad.

Gwen blushed slightly. "I think you know the answer to that question, Astra."

I nodded and looked down as I began to tap my pencil against my notebook (where I was making annotations), my brain unable to comprehend how a world could work without everyone knowing mathematics. It's no wonder most people here live in poverty... Camelot would likely be a stronger kingdom if all its citizens knew basic arithmetics. Crop production could be optimised, people would be able to better manage their income and possibly improve their living conditions, corrupt nobles would have a harder time taking advantage of workers...

Why didn't I think of this before?!

"Would you like me to try to teach you?" I shyly asked Gwen.

Her eyes snapped to mine. "Is it not too hard?"

I shrugged. "I don't think so. Not if we stick to the basics and take it from there."

"All right, then," she responded with a nod and a small grin. "Teach me."

I smiled and flung the state documents aside before turning the page on my notebook and starting to explain how the decimal system works.

I must've gotten way too into the novel I was reading – 'The Shining' – because I nearly fell off the bed from the startle that the sound of the door abruptly creaking open gave me. I gulped as I let my eyes travel towards the wooden portal, and I let out a huge sigh of relief when I saw Arthur and not Johnny.

"Oh, goody, I thought I was gonna have to sleep alone!" I chirped as I slid my bookmark in between the pages before setting the book aside and sprinting towards my King, who grinned only a little as he wrapped me in his arms and picked me up, spinning me around. I pressed a quick kiss to his lips and then let myself fall back on my feet, instantly taking note of the troubled expression on his gorgeous features. "What's wrong?" I asked.

He sighed heavily before responding, "Morgana's men attacked a carriage that was supposed to bring a cargo of weapons."

I could feel some colour draining out of my face while my stomach churned.

"Well," I breathed out, "I guess we really are at war."

May I point out that most of the people I grew up with are probably starting their first ever professional jobs after graduating college, or getting a masters degree, or starting families... Not literally battling against their half-sister in law who happens to be a corrupted witch?! But I just had to fall in love with the incredible man before me...

Arthur placed a warm hand on the side of my face and silently asked me to look him in the eyes, letting a small grin form when I did. "You know that I will not let anyone hurt you, right?" he asked softly.

"I'm more worried about you," I replied in a mumble, fear striking at my chest at the recollection of the letter that Finna gave Merlin. I guess not all prophecies are mumbo-jumbo... But that doesn't mean that Arthur will inevitably die, right? 'Cause I won't let that happen, I don't care what it costs.

He grabbed one of my hands, ending the fiddling they'd started at some point, and he pressed a kiss to the back of it. "We will be all right. All of us," he promised.

I blinked away some tears that formed in my eyes and nodded. Then I hugged my King tightly, wishing that I could just freeze time and stay there forever and never have to see him hurt. Or that I could take him to the twenty-first century and keep him safe there until someone eventually stops Morgana... But it'd be insane and irresponsible to do so, right? We both have a duty to the kingdom.

"Come on, darling, let us not worry right now," Arthur said softly as he gently stroked my back. "We are together now, and that is what matters. Let us make the most of it."

I sighed. "Sure, I guess."

With that, he picked me up again and carried me to the bed.

As he started to take off his boots, a thought flashed through my mind and I sat up, sitting criss-cross. "Artie – let's stop spinning the topic so much and let's officially make peace with the druids."

He frowned. "What?"

"Yeah! The edict is pretty much written already! All you've gotta do is sign it!"

"Why now?"

I shrugged. "Sides will inevitably be picked in this war. So maybe it'll give 'em a reason not to join Morgana, y'know? I'm not saying they'll support us but, if we're at peace with them, it's less likely that they'll wanna help kill you."

Arthur nodded pensively and he sat down beside me. I hugged his arm and rested my head against his shoulder.

"We can ask Mordred to look at the document and give us his opinion," I suggested softly.

He kissed the top of my head, then he placed a hand over both of mine and he let out a heavy sigh before finally responding, "If this will make you happy... and make you feel more at ease... then I suppose we can do it."

A big smile formed on my lips and I rapidly moved to kiss him. "Thanks, Artie. You won't regret it, I promise."

"Let us hope you are right," he mumbled.

"Haven't you learned, by now, that I'm always right?" I asked with a playful smirk.

"Shut up and kiss me, cheeky woman."

"Your wish is my command, Sire."

Early on the next day (and by 'early' I mean before the sun was even up), Leon returned from his appointed job of investigating the incident with the carriage further, and Arthur granted him an audience in our room. I remained on the bed, curled up with my Avengers blanket (it's not like my fellow knight has never seen me in PJs, y'know?), while the two boy scouts stood at the desk while analysing a map.

"We believe they approached from the gorge at Westhay and tracked the ridge-line all the way through to the ford at Rushwick," Leon explained. The poor guy looked like he was about to fall asleep at any second.

"We cannot allow our supply routes to become vulnerable," Arthur noted gravely. "I want extra patrols dispatched to the west and the north of the Citadel."

I wish we had some fighter jets. A minute of pew-pew and the witches would never bother us again... We could also enlist the dragons' help, but that would land Merlin and I in a world of trouble and I don't think the situation is that desperate yet...

"We ride at first light," Leon assured.

My gaze travelled towards the window to find that not even the first strokes of sunlight were showing yet. Perhaps it's even earlier than I'd thought.

The knight moved to leave the room, only Arthur stopped him just as he went to open the door, "Leon – I need not remind you we are at war."

Leon nodded and I gave him an awkward wave before he finally exited.

"Well," I sighed and rolled onto my stomach, "I'm going back to sleep. Get the lights, will ya'?"

I heard Arthur give a faint chuckle, then the candles were blown out, and then the bed dipped beside me. I instantly moved to curl up against my King's warm chest – which was now without a shirt – and I placed a kiss over his heart before getting on the train to dreamland.

Before anything else, after having breakfast and getting dressed, I ran off to find Mordred so that I could tell him about the developments in my ambitions to make magic legal again in Camelot. Coincidentally, the young knight was looking for me as well, and he seemed fairly agitated as he asked me to speak privately. So I instantly nodded and led him to my room.

"I am sorry to trouble you, Astra, but I do not know who else to turn to for help," he began.

My stomach turned upside down. "Buddy, you're scaring me..."

"Did Merlin not tell you?" he questioned.

"Tell me what?"

He let out a shaky sigh before explaining, "I have a friend... Kara... she is a druid..." I nodded him along when he trailed off. "I saw her in the woods... at the site of the assaulted carriage..."

I recoiled and frowned. "Was she part of the attack?"

"I am not certain... I pray not... All I know is that she was injured and... Well, she cannot come here for help, can she?"

I guess this is a good moment to reveal my thing...

"Well, I have some news of my own to tell you – I convinced Arthur to sign an edict that would allow druids to live within Camelot," I stated, which made the boy smile widely. "It would be under the condition that no magic is used, for now, but I have hope that he might change his mind over time."

"Oh, Astra, this is fantastic!" Mordred exclaimed.

I gave him a wink. "Yeah. We wanna get your seal of approval, first, though... Maybe your friend's, too! Do you know where she is?"

"I can find her... Through telepathy..." he responded meekly.

"Great! Let's get 'er, and we can bring her here, Gaius will help her, and no one besides us has to know what she is until everything's settled," I proposed.

"You would do that for me?"

"Of course, you're my friend!" The boy let out a long exhale, seemingly relieved by my words. I gave him a little grin before adding, "We'll have to be discreet, though. I'm not supposed to be leaving the castle."

"We can use the secret passage in the armoury," Mordred suggested.

"Smart! Let's go!"

"Will not you tell Arthur, first?"

"No, he wouldn't let me leave. He can find out after the fact."

I snuck into Gaius's apartment when no one was in and borrowed a first-aid kit. Then I followed Mordred through the woods as he followed whatever instructions his friend was giving him through their telepathic link.

Not gonna lie – I'm kinda jealous that they can do that controllably and without the need for magic potions.

We finally found the girl in a secluded spot among some rocks, lying on top of a pile of leaves. I hung back as I watched a relieved smile form on Mordred's lips again and he hurried to hug the girl, who seemed equally as relieved.

They exchanged some hushed words before the boy asked about her leg in a louder tone.

"It is not deep," she responded while averting her gaze.

"Let me see," Mordred demanded. The girl sighed and she moved the skirt of her dress slightly upwards. The knight's eyes widened as he stared at the wound.

I stepped closer and set the first-aid bag down beside him. I recoiled at the sight of the girl's injury, which was covered in blood, and my intestines protested the view.

Mordred thanked me for the supplies and I gave him a thumbs-up while taking a few steps back to give them some space... mostly to get away from the blood.

"I will clean it, then we can go," I heard the young knight tell his friend.

They fell silent for a minute as he used water from a canteen to get rid of the blood. I nibbled on my bottom lip while keeping an eye on our surroundings in case there were any more attackers. Or other knights of Camelot.

The girl – Kara – broke the silence as she asked, "What are we going to do?"

"We are going to take you back to Camelot," Mordred responded.

"You are a knight," she noted, sounding displeased.

"One of the best ones we have," I piped in when I noticed the way in which my friend's face fell at her words. The girl's gaze travelled towards me and she narrowed her eyes while I gave her an awkward wave. "Hi, I'm Astra."

"The queen," she acknowledged as her jaw clenched.

I huffed. "Yeah, but–"

"She does not like formalities," Mordred cut me off while shooting me a grin, which earned him a playful glare. He let out a short chuckle before returning his attention to Kara, "Astra will ensure no harm comes to you.

"Why?" she questioned dryly, her glaring eyes still fixed on my figure.

"'Cause I believe in a free and peaceful Camelot," I responded with a small shrug.

Kara frowned as she turned to Mordred, whispering something I couldn't catch.

"Yes, she and Arthur both know that I am a druid," he answered in a normal tone. The girl's mouth fell agape while he grinned a little. "Astra has been working hard to change Arthur's mind in regards to magic."

"We're not all the way there, yet, but big changes are comin'," I affirmed.

Kara still seemed uneasy, but she allowed Mordred to help her to her feet and I put one of her arms over my shoulders to aid her in walking while the young knight took her other side.

Mordred and I placed Kara in my room so that she could rest, and then he went to get Gaius and/or Daegal so that she could get proper medical care, while I went to find Arthur. I mentally prayed that he'd be okay with us helping the girl.

I put on a passive façade as I entered the room.

"Where the hell have you been?!" Arthur demanded as soon as his eyes landed on me.

Passive turned playful in a second because... well, that's just how my brain works, I guess. "Around," I responded with a nonchalant shrug.

"Astraea – we are at war! You cannot leave the castle whenever you please! Do you have any idea how dangerous it could be!?"

"Chill, Artie, it was for a good cause," I replied with a wave of my hand. "And I was with Mordred."

"What do you mean 'for a good cause'?" he questioned while narrowing his eyes at me.

I puffed and moved to sit on the bed, my right leg bouncing up and down as I thought of how to approach the subject.

"Astra..." Arthur kneeled down before me and took my hands in his.

"Ya' gotta promise you won't do anything rash," I pleaded as I turned serious again. He quirked an eyebrow. I let out a sigh and started talking at a fast pace, "Mordred has this friend, Kara, who somehow got mixed up with whatever happened with the carriage, and she was injured in the process, and he found her, and we brought her here so that Pops could treat her..."

I trailed off when he gave me a tender look, followed by a kiss to the back of my hand, followed by him moving to rest his chin on my knee, ending the bouncing motion. "You just have to help everyone, do you not?" he asked gently.

I freed a hand and moved it to his hair, gently running my fingers through his soft locks.

I shrugged. "It's the decent thing to do."

"You never cease to amaze me," he claimed.

I felt my face get warm and I gave him a little smile, unsure of how to respond.

"Do not worry, I will make sure that Kara is safe here," he added before standing up and moving to sit down next to me.

"Thanks, Artie," I said and reached up to kiss his cheek.

"Is she like Mordred?" he inquired in a whisper.

"A druid?" I asked, getting a nod. "Yeah. That's why he came to me in private."

He sighed, his shoulders slumping. "They still fear me."

"Not for much longer," I assured him.

"No, not for much longer," he echoed, getting a determined glint in his eyes that made me smile. "Can I meet her?"

I nodded. "Probably. Lemme just make sure with her, and I'll come and get ya'."

"All right."

I stood up and kissed his forehead before skipping out of the room again.

I never thought I'd see the day when I'd have to knock on the door to my own private room, but here I am, standing outside while awaiting a response. Mordred was the one to open it and he let out a faint chuckle. "Astra – you are the queen, and these are your chambers. You do not have to knock."

"Being queen's not an excuse to be rude," I pointed out as I entered the room, earning another chuckle from the boy.

"You seem to forget that you are the odd one out, dear girl," Gaius said as he glanced at me, removing his attention from Kara for only a moment.

"True," I mumbled before moving to my desk and hopping to sit on it. "How's she?" I wondered.

"She will make a full recovery," the physician affirmed. "She just needs to stay off her leg for a week or so."

Kara gave a small smile and she thanked him. Gaius responded with a mirroring grin before starting to pack his supplies.

"You did a noble thing, Astra," Gaius added while heading towards the door.

I scoffed. "It's called common decency, Pops."

He chuckled and left the room.

I let out a sigh and let my eyes fall on Kara again, finding that she looked much better than she had twenty minutes ago.

"Are you feeling well? D'ya need anything?" I asked.

"I am all right," she responded in a slightly dry tone, but I shrugged it off.

"Thank you, Astra," Mordred added while giving me a small smile.

"It's nothing," I waved him off. "I spoke to Art and he said that she'll be safe here... And that he would like to meet her, if that's okay with y'all."

Kara scoffed and raised a sceptical eyebrow. "The dread King wants to meet me?"

Acid pooled in my stomach.

"His father drilled a hatred for magic into his brain from an early age, and he's been hurt by it many times," I jumped to defend him. "Yet, he still finds it in his heart to look at things from a different angle, and he's trying to right Uther's wrongs. So I hope you can at least pay him the courtesy of actually meetin' him before you make up your mind about him."

"Arthur is a good man, Kara. You will see," Mordred supported me.

"Fine," the girl muttered as she averted her gaze. "I will meet him, then."

I gave her a nod of approval and a little encouraging smile – despite the momentary glare she sent me – and I hopped off the table so that I could get Arthur.

"Artie, this is Kara. Kara, this is Arthur," I said when we returned to the room.

My King gave the girl a polite smile even as she remained stoic. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Kara," he said kindly as he slowly approached her. "You are welcome to stay here for as long as you may need."

He offered a handshake.

She took his hand while her other quickly reached for something under her cloak.

I saw a metallic glint.

A weapon.

I gasped and my heart froze over for a moment as I scrambled to pull Arthur back.

"Kara, no!" Mordred cried. I saw his eyes glow gold and the dagger fell out of her hand and to the floor where it could no longer harm Arthur. I quickly picked it up while breathing heavily and tossed it across the room.

"You would have killed me," Arthur breathed out.

"I am only sorry I failed," Kara snarled.

"What the f*ck!?" I blurted out.

I cowered away from Merlin's disapproving gaze as the council gathered around the throne room. Kara was placed in the centre while handcuffed in anticipation of her trial for... y'know, attempting to kill the freaking King.

I know that my brother's still wary of Mordred – but the girl's actions don't fall on him, right?! How could they? How could he have known what she was planning to do? And, if the fact that he saved Arthur isn't enough proof of his innocence in the matter, the mortified expression that has made itself a home on his features ever since the fact definitely is.

"Were you part of a cohort of Saxons who attacked an arms shipment bound for Camelot?" Arthur questioned as he circled Kara at a slow pace.

"Yes," she responded stoically.

I let my gaze travel towards the youngest knight and he gave me a teary-eyed, heart-broken look that stabbed and twisted my guts.

"And were you acting under the orders of Morgana Pendragon?" my King continued.

"What I did, I did for myself, for my people, and for our right to be free."

Arthur glanced at me with a sorrowful expression and I moved to stand beside him, slipping my hand into his and squeezing it in reassurance. I can only imagine what must be running through his brain. He returned the gesture before addressing the girl again, "As I am sure Astraea told you, we have no quarrel with the druids."

"I have spent my life on the run because of my beliefs... and seen those I have loved killed," she replied, still maintaining her stoicism. You'd think we were dealing with a robot. Her words still tugged at my heart, though, making it twist.

"Once, maybe," my King conceded. "But I am not my father."

"You do not kill those with magic?" Kara challenged.

I averted my gaze, knowing very well that she had a point. He has killed people with magic before. If only I could make her understand the tangled mess that is Arthur's mind in regards to the subject, and if only I could make her see the progress that he has made already... I looked at Merlin, who still seemed unhappy with me as he raised his eyebrows.

"It is not I, Arthur Pendragon, who needs to answer for my crimes, it is you," the girl continued. "You and your father have brutally and mercilessly heaped misery on my kind... It is you who has turned a peaceful people to war... And it is you – and Camelot – that shall pay the price."

My head dropped in defeat as my body began to tremble and my lungs began to freeze over. We're too late, aren't we? The druids have already chosen sides.

"In your words... I hear the voice of Morgana," Arthur responded, pausing for a moment to search the girl's eyes, but she averted her gaze. "It is she and others like her who have abused the powers of magic. It is they who have brought the rift between our people... It is their deeds that have terrorised Camelot and forced us to outlaw such practices. But you stand before the court, not because of an act of sorcery or sedition, but because of an act of murder..."

He makes great points, too.

Kara visibly gulped.

"...Your actions have brought about the deaths of many good men and threaten the lives of many more."

"They were casualties of war," she stated coldly. I couldn't help but glare at her now. "And I would do the same again, for I will not rest until you are dead and your kingdom is no more."

My eyes widened and my jaw clenched. I was ready to slap the b*tch, but I restrained myself by tightening my hold on Arthur's hand. I looked at Mordred again. He seemed frustrated, and sad, and lost all at the same time; and it struck even more fear into my heart. If he's doubting Arthur...

Were we doomed from the start?

"Yet, you have friends here," my King pointed out, causing the girl to avert her gaze. "My queen and Mordred helped you, did they not?"

"They did," she conceded. "But the fact remains – the Pendragons are a plague upon this land."

Oh, the strength it took to remain composed.

"You show no remorse for your actions," Arthur noted. She had the audacity to shake her head. "I have no choice but to declare you an enemy of Camelot." My stomach dropped. "At dawn tomorrow, pursuant to the laws of this land, you will be taken from your cell..." Arthur paused to cast a wary glance towards Mordred before returning his attention to the girl, "and hanged."

My eyes widened and I gulped as I looked towards the young knight, who seemed very jittery.

This isn't gonna end well.

Kara was promptly taken away.

My head began to pound with an ugly headache and I had to move to rest my forehead against Arthur's arm, allowing myself to close my eyes for a moment and try to regain control of my body.

"You can do as you wish!" I heard Kara call back. "It will not stop Morgana's uprising. Your doom is near. And my only sadness is I will not be there to see it."

The room felt as if it had become a pot atop a lit stove as the temperature gradually increased, making my bones burn. My breathing became shallow. A ringing sound settled in my ears.

Great, this again.

"Astra..." Arthur whispered softly. I simply tightened my hold on him while swallowing a whimper. In a second, he was picking me up and carrying me elsewhere.

"I-I'm sorry Art," I finally spoke in a whisper after about an hour of us cuddling in silence while I tried to gather myself after one of the worst panic attacks I've ever had. "If I'd known–"

"Do not start blaming yourself, my love," he cut me off, moving to make eye-contact. "You wanted to help, it is what you do."

I sighed and nodded before resting my forehead against his, enjoying the feeling of his soft exhales against my face. Soft and steady exhales that let me know that he is alive and well. I squeezed my eyes shut (though it did nothing to hold back some rogue tears) and my stomach flipped upside down as I thought of that changing.

It won't change. I won't let it. I refuse to live without him.

My head still spun and ached a little as I tried to think of a way to save Kara's life without putting Arthur in danger. Killing her would possibly set Mordred against him and, if the dumb prophecies hold any weight (which, sadly, I've found they do), that would be a quick way to truly bring about his 'doom'.

"Morgana will not hurt me," my King claimed as he wiped my tears with his thumb. "Not as long as I have Camelot's mightiest heroes on my side."

A grin tugged at my lips. "You said the phrase."

"It made you smile," he responded before pressing his lips to mine.

The kiss ended only some seconds in when a knock sounded at the door. We shared an annoyed look as we sat up, and then Arthur called out, "Yes?"

Mordred hesitantly entered the room and I instantly took note of his reddened eyes. I leaped off the bed and rushed to hug him. Much to my relief, he returned the gesture. "I'm so sorry, buddy," I whispered.

"It is not your fault," he assured me. I sighed and ended the hug, shuffling back to my King's side.

"Is there anything we can do for you, Mordred?" Arthur asked gently.

My eyes widened when the boy suddenly dropped to his knees. "Arthur – I am begging you, please reconsider your sentence," he said in a low, deflated voice. "She is a good person. She means no harm... She is not to blame... Morgana is using her in her quest for power."

I looked up at Arthur, silently begging him with my eyes to listen to the boy.

"How long have you known this girl?" he inquired.

"S-since I was a child," Mordred responded, his voice shaky as he clearly attempted not to cry. "S-she has always lived inside my heart." He broke down sobbing and I rushed to drop to the floor beside him and hug him once again. He dropped his head to my shoulder while I gently rubbed his back.

"Mordred," Arthur said with a sigh as he moved to place a hand on the boy's shoulder. "You know there is nothing I would not do for you. You are a knight of Camelot. It is a bond we share." Mordred separated from me and looked up at him with hope shining in his eyes. "But what you ask... This girl, she is a danger. Not just to me. She is a sworn enemy of Camelot, ruthless to the cause."

I hate to say it, but he has a point...

"No, I will change that. She will listen to me," Mordred declared.

"I cannot risk the lives of my citizens, Mordred, no matter who asks," my King then said, his voice now more stern.

"Artie –" I interjected softly while reaching for his free hand, "c-can we talk about this before you make a final decision?"

There's hope as long as Mordred remains on our side. I'm certain of it! He seems to be the key, according to what Kilgharrah, and Finna, and others have said.

Arthur sighed heavily and made eye-contact. "Astra–"

"Please, Artie."

"All right," he relented.

Mordred scrambled to his feet and he murmured a 'thank you' to me before rapidly walking out of the room.

Arthur gallantly helped me to my feet and then he led me to sit down at the dining table. I much would've preferred the bed, 'cause the wooden chairs are uncomfortable, but I didn't protest as I brought my knees against my chest and let out a long, shaky exhale.

"What is on your mind, my darling?" my King asked softly.

I puffed before speaking, "You know that I'm the first person on this Earth who wants you to be safe..."

"I know," he echoed with a nod.

"Which is why... I think it's a safer bet if we exile Kara, rather than... y'know... kill 'er."

"How so?"

"Well, put yourself in Mordred's place," I said. "If we break his heart by killin' the girl he loves, he might want revenge, he might turn against us... He was allied with Morgana and Thanata once... What if he goes back to them?"

Arthur leaned back in his seat, a pensive look taking over his gorgeous face.

"He knows many of our secrets," I added. "And... setting that aside... he's our friend and I could never live with myself if we hurt him in this way..." My voice broke a little and I swallowed thickly. "Please, Artie. If not to avoid spilling more blood, then do it to spare him the pain, and if not for that, then do it for me."

He remained silent for a few moments while he scanned my face, and I refused to let my eyes stray from his as my heart raced.

"So," he breathed out, "an exile?"

A relieved smile formed on my lips as I nodded and responded, "Yeah, like that girl Sefa, remember?" He nodded. "We can escort her to a neighbouring kingdom of her choosing under the condition that if she's ever caught within Camelot's borders again, she'll be executed."

"You know, Astra, you might not believe this..." he began while extending an arm on the table as he reached towards me. I frowned at his words, but happily grabbed his hand. "...but you are a fantastic queen. And you are completely right about this."

My heart skipped a beat as my eyes widened in hope. "So we're doing it my way?"

He pressed a kiss to the back of my hand before responding, "Of course."

"Yes!" I cheered and sprang out of my seat to kiss him. "Thanks, Artie! I'll go tell Mordred!" And with that, I sprinted out of the room and went to find the boy.

The Earth suddenly began to shake and I gasped as I steadied myself against a wall, my eyes widening in shock. "What the shuck," I muttered to myself. I heard some faint cries of either woman courtiers or maidservants echoing through the corridors. The earthquake didn't last longer than a minute and I stood stunned for a moment before shrugging it off and continuing on my way.

I sighed sadly as Mordred moved to stand before me, a half-grin playing on his lips as his teary eyes found mine. He has decided to leave with Kara – which doesn't come as a surprise, but it still sucks.

"Thank you, Astra. For everything," he said softly. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

I gave him a small smile and pulled him in for a hug. "You don't have to thank me," I responded. "I'm only glad that I could convince Arthur to find another solution."

We separated and Mordred placed a hand on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze as he said, "You are an excellent queen, Astra. I pray that our paths may cross again one day."

I felt my face getting warm and I dropped my head. "Thanks, buddy. I hope so, too."

"I wish I could stay, but..." he trailed off and glanced towards Kara, who was handcuffed and had been placed atop a horse, Hershey, to make the journey to Mercia easier.

My eyes travelled towards Arthur, who stood nearby while giving Leon, Percival and Gwaine some final orders on how to deal with the girl. "I get it," I replied to Mordred, "I would do the same thing."

He gave me a small grin and we shared another hug.

"Be careful, all right?" I pleaded. "And try to write and let us know you're okay every once in a while."

"Of course."

With that, he descended the remaining steps and went towards Arthur. A smile grew on my face as I watched them hug briefly, and I mentally patted myself on the back. Even if the boy is leaving, the fact that we're parting on good terms gives me hope that we may indeed be able to avert the prophecy.

Merlin appeared beside me and he threw an arm over my shoulders, drawing me close.

"You're no longer mad?" I asked in a low tone.

"I was never mad at you, Astra," he assured me. "I was simply concerned. But Arthur explained what happened in more detail and... well..." I gave him a questioning look and he shook his head with a breathy chuckle. "I was going to say that you're a genius, but I do not want to stroke your ego."

I snorted and nudged his side. "I am a genius. But this was just the decent thing to do."

He chuckled and kissed the top of my head before surprisingly also moving to say goodbye to Mordred just as he was about to climb onto Castiel.

For the first time in a while, even with everything going on, I felt a certain lightness in my chest.

It was about 21:00 when Merlin suddenly peeked into Arthur and I's room while I was reading and he was taking a bath, and he quickly gestured for me to go outside. Frowning, I set my book down and joined him in the corridor, giving him a questioning look.

"Kilgharrah is calling me telepathically. He wants to meet us nearby," he informed in a whisper.

My stomach twisted.

"It must be important if he's risking comin' this close," I noted before starting to nibble on my bottom lip.

"Yes – so hurry," Merlin responded.

I rushed inside my room and exchanged my PJs for black riding leggings, my boots, and my 'Stark Industries' sweatshirt. Then I rejoined Merlin in the corridor and we snuck towards the stables, rapidly preparing Dallas and Falcon before setting off.

Merlin led us to a field some thirty kilometres away from the castle, where the great dragon stood awaiting us, his stance regal and mighty... though I noticed that his wings looked a little stiff and had little chunks missing, which made me frown. Did he get into a fight, or something?

"Emrys and the Shadow," Kilgharrah greeted with a reptilian smirk.

I quirked an eyebrow and jokingly asked, "Y'know that we have actual names, right?" earning a deep chuckle.

"Why did you summon us here?" Merlin questioned.

The dragon's smirk didn't fade as he responded, "The earthquake."

I shared a confused glance with my brother. "Right, I felt it," I murmured. "What the heck was that?"

"I believe that might have been you, young queen," Kilgharrah replied.

"Me?! What am I, like, Daisy Johnson, now?"

"You did something, did you not?" he interrogated. "Something that rattled the prophecies?"

I tilted my head in confusion, then my eyes widened in realisation and my heart began to beat faster, fuelled by hope. "Modred..." I breathed out.

"The creatures of the Old Religion are in a ruckus," the dragon claimed. "The visions of the seers are said to have blurred beyond recognition."

My brother and I shared a wishful look.

"So is that it, then? Have we saved Arthur?" Merlin asked.

"The great battle is still to come," Kilgharrah responded, his tone turning grave. "But I believe you have a greater chance of beating it now."

I pouted a little. "Didn't you believe in us before?"

"I have always had faith in you, Astraea and Merlin. Many ridiculed me for it... Now I am being proven right."

A chuckle escaped me and I hugged my brother, who was quick to return the gesture and he kissed the top of my head.

"We will not let you down," Merlin assured the dragon, who bowed his head in response.

"How're the kids?" I changed the subject.

Kilgharrah let out a sigh. "Phoenix is doing well... Aithusa is getting stronger every day, though she has not spoken yet."

I shared a sad look with my brother. "We would come and visit," he said, "but..."

"You are in the middle of a war," the dragon acknowledged.

I puffed and turned to Merlin, "On that note – we should probably get back, or Artie might throw a tantrum."

He laughed. "Yes, you're probably right."

"Thanks, K. See ya' 'round," I said as I turned to the dragon again and gave him a grin.

He bowed his head, which caused one of his wings to move slightly, and I noticed the strain in them once more.

"Are you all right?" Merlin questioned him.

"I am tired, Emrys, that is all," Kilgharrah responded. "But I shall serve you both as long as I have the strength."

My brother and I shared a wary look. "If you are ill, I can heal you," he stated.

"There are some things even a warlock as great as you cannot overcome," the dragon noted softly. "I am old. My time has almost come."

I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces.

"No!" Merlin and I protested at the same time

"What will we do without you? What about Aithusa and Phoenix?" my brother questioned.

"You will all remember me."

I gulped and averted my gaze as my eyes pooled with tears.

"Will we see you again?" Merlin asked while wrapping an arm around me.

In fine Kilgharrah fashion, the dragon simply turned around and flew away without another word.

I swirled the contents of my breakfast bowl around with my spoon, my eyes fixed on the spiral pattern that formed from the mix of colours in it.

If Kilgharrah cannot guide us through the war... What are we going to do?! Ideas drawn from movies and TV series can only carry us so far... And, more than that – he's our friend and I don't want to lose him! He's done so much for us and it sucks that we can't help him back. But that's the circle of life, I guess. I only pray we can be with him when he passes. To bring him some sort of comfort, and to support Phoenix and Aithusa...

My body jolted when a warmth suddenly enveloped my free hand, though I instantly relaxed when I saw that it was only Arthur encasing it in his. "Are you all right, my love?" he asked softly. "You have not touched your food."

"Yeah, just thinkin'," I responded before taking a spoonful into my mouth to prove that I'm all right. I'm not the one who's getting old and dying, after all.

My King gently rubbed his thumb over my knuckles. "I am upset about Mordred too, you know? But I understand why he left," he stated.

Obviously, that's not what I was thinking about, but I ran with it 'cause I can't exactly tell him about my friend dragon. "Yeah. Me, too," I replied and paused to squeeze his hand. "I would've done the same."

"I am certain that we will see him again some day," Arthur claimed.

"I hope so," I responded with a nod.

A knock sounded at the door and I puffed.

"Enter!" my King called out.

In came Gwen, who sported a big smile and a fond look in her eyes. "Astra – you had better come as soon as you are finished. You are going to love to see who is waiting in the throne room," she said.

My eyes widened in wonder and I thanked her before hurrying to eat my breakfast – spilling some on my hoodie in the process.

As soon as I was done, I sprinted towards my room to change the soiled clothing item and to brush my teeth. Then I reunited with Arthur in the corridor, and we held hands as we made our way towards the throne room.

We entered to find Gwaine, Leon, Percival... and two other great friends.

"Baldy!? Ben?!" I exclaimed in surprise as I ran to give them both a tight hug. "What are you two doin' here?!"

Prince Cynebald chuckled before answering, "We got wind that some rogue Saxons have allied themselves with Morgana, and we are here to help you to stop them."

My jaw dropped in disbelief as my heart warmed up to a million degrees, and I gave his arm a gentle squeeze.

"Gawant and Camelot are allies, and you both are esteemed friends," Prince Benjamin added. "Besides Elena would have killed me if I had stayed back."

I looked up at Arthur as puzzlement took me over. How the heck did I manage to make such great friends?! He threw an arm over my shoulders and kissed my forehead before turning to the two foreign princes. "Morgana is beyond dangerous. She is armed with powerful magic," he pointed out in a grave tone. "Are you prepared to risk your lives against her?"

"It is my duty as both Prince of Sussex and your queen's honourary brother," Cynebald stated.

"Exactly," Benjamin said.

Happy tears pooled in my eyes and I jumped to give them each another hug while repeatedly mumbling 'thank you'.

Our odds are looking stronger and stronger!