"There's nothing more we will be able to discuss before sundown," Arthur stood, looking at Natalia. "I need you to make sure the Knights are all in Gauis's chambers. They need to be prepared and rested for the journey tomorrow." "I'll make sure they're protected," Natalia reached out her hand to Arthur. "You protect yourself, your majesty." The council dispersed, and Natalia went into the hall. "Advisor to the Prince then?" Gwen smiled, carrying a pile of bandages. "News spreads quickly," Natalia fell in step with her friend. "Obviously," Gwen handed Natalia another pile of bandages, motioning for her to fold them. "Your recent appointment is the most pressing thing in the world." Natalia chuckled dryly, keeping her eyes to the ground. Gwen saw the bashfulness in her friend. "Not that it matters, but I'm very proud of you. You are the most qualified person to be an adviser." "Of course that matters," Natalia looked up quickly, smiling slightly. "You're my friend." The two women regard each other at this moment. A serving girl who had raised herself to be wise and kind, and an exiled princess who had built herself back-up into someone better. "The sun has set!" A knight yelled through the hall. Natalia and Gwen finished folding the bandages in silence. "Well," Natalia grabbed an unlit torch, "Duty calls." "Mind if I join you?" Gwen shrugged. "You know how to fight?" Natalia smirked, trying to bring humor to the conversation. Gwen took Natalia's torch, "I can handle my own," Her smile quickly turned into a playful frown as she jabbed Natalia's chest, "and how dare-" A scream came from down the hall, and the two women turned to the noise. Gwen lit the torch, handing it to Natalia, "I'll get another one." Natalia went into the hall and saw the darkened hallway, a chill running up her spine. A few knights lying on the ground, frost covering their bodies. She held tightly to her torch as hurried footsteps approached from inside the darkness. Stepping forward, Natalia saw a figure running towards her, "Merlin!" "It's coming!" An unearthly scream followed Merlin as he ran behind Natalia, placing a shaking hand on her shoulder. Natalia swung the torch at the ghost, making it dissipate into the night. "Is there anyone back there?" Natalia turned her head to Merlin, keeping her arm out in front of her. Merlin shook his head, "We need to get these men to Gaius. He might be able to save them." Natalia lowered her torch to one of the knights, frowning as Merlin spoke, knowing that there was nothing anyone could do. Then, another scream came from down the hall. Natalia grabbed Merlin's arm. Gwen came out into the hall, joining the duo. "Want to babysit some knights while they sleep?" Natalia smiled at Gwen, who chuckled. "I've got nothing else to do." So the three went farther into the castle, avoiding the distant screams. They finally arrived in a familiar part of the castle that seemed calmer, an illusion of safety. Gwen opened the door into the well-lit room, and many knights sat around the room. "I don't know how Arthur expects us to sit here and do nothing," Elyan sighed to Percival as the others were preparing their beds. "I think the world will survive without five knights for a few hours," Gwen walked over to her brother. Natalia looked around the room to make sure all the torches were lit. Merlin frowned, leaning against the wall, "How do you intend to work at the tavern and be an advisor?" Natalia paused, eyes glued to the ground. "I suppose I can't do both," sadness lingered in her voice. She looked at Merlin, smiling as best as she could. "They'll understand." She turned to Gwen, saying she'd take the first watch. "Do you want some company?" Gwaine grinned charmingly. Natalia shrugged, "I wouldn't mind it for a bit." The couple went into the hall, Gwaine closing the door behind them. Grabbing Natalia's free hand, "Are you alright?" Gwaine pulled her closer. Natalia took a moment, realizing she had been holding her breath, "I'll be fine." She rubbed her fingers across Gwaine's hand, letting out a shaky breath. "I'm just- I want this to be over." Gwaine nodded, "And it will be, I promise." He placed a hand on her face, "I promise." Before she could smile in response, Natalia heard that chilling scream echoed through the halls. Both of them turned to the noise. Lit torch in front of them. Gwaine gripping onto Natalia's hand. Waiting for something to happen, but nothing did. "This castle is creepy," Gwaine shuddered. "I'll protect you," Natalia smiled cockily. Gwaine leaned his chin on her shoulder, "Could I convince you to become my bodyguard?" "No, but that doesn't mean I won't protect you, Gwaine," Natalia moved away from Gwaine. "You're trying to get rid of me?" Gwaine smirked, "That doesn't seem very kind." Natalia rolled her eyes, trying to hide a smile, "And yet, you still care about me." "I'd be a fool not to love-" Gwaine stopped. His eyes went wide, avoiding Natalia. "Care! Of Course, I care about you. I'd be a fool to not care about you-" "Gwaine-" Natalia tried to stop Gwaine's rant. "And I'm not sure if that wasn't obvious." "Heavens Gwaine," Natalia shook her head playfully. Gwaine finally took a deep breath, "I obviously care about you, Natalia." "I know," Natalia smiled, grabbing his arm. Gwaine nodded quickly, unsure of how to continue. He calmed himself as best as he could, speaking in a whisper, "I'm not sure how else to express it, but I do-" Talking so honestly with Natalia made him feel better. He was more comfortable with her, "I do-" "What are you two doing out here?" Arthur called from down the hall. Natalia glared at the future king, "We were talking." Arthur nodded slowly, looking over Natalia's shoulder at a bashful looking Gwaine, "Clearly... Is everyone in there?" "Yes," Natalia placed her hand on the handle, "And I'd advise you to convince your men to get some rest, including this one," She teased. Arthur narrowed his playfully as he went through the door, "I do hope your advice continues to be so helpful, Advisor Leviathan." Natalia bowed deeply, and before she could follow him, "Advisor Leviathan?" Gwaine questioned loudly, drawing everyone's attention to her. "You're an advisor?" Elyan asked as he stood. Natalia nodded, putting on a front of confidence, "Which makes me of higher status than all of you." Arthur nodded to confirm. All the knights congratulated Natalia and teased Arthur about having another advisor that he wouldn't listen to. As the comments turned into Arthur teasing in kind, Gwaine pulled Natalia to his side, "I'm proud of you. I know it's not what you planned, but you are the best choice for Arthur's council," He smiled at her, taking a deep breath, "My love." He tried to hide the nervousness behind the smile, but his palms were sweaty, holding his love's hand. Natalia's eyes softened, smiling quietly. Neither wanted to draw any attention to the sweet moment that had happened. It was a moment just for them despite everyone else in the room. "I am capable of making my own decisions," Arthur defended, "I just think it's better to have others to help- "Run the kingdom for you?" Leon interrupted. "Think for you?" Gwen joined in as well, causing everyone to laugh, except for Arthur. "Anyways," Arthur pretended to be annoyed, "I came to let you all know that we are leaving at sunrise in two hours." The laughter died as gravity seemed to return to the room, weighing everyone down. Arthur turned to Natalia, "I expect to have a kingdom if I return."
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