The Archer's Legacy

★彡02|43 - "You're an idiot, Y/n."彡★

Carlos and Asher were both leaning over the railing, their eyes searching the water. "I'll go," Carlos offered, trying to stay calm while Ben was still shouting at the two shapeshifters in the water.

"Way ahead of ya," Asher quipped. The next moment the boy thrust his dagger, jacket and boots into Carlos' arms and dove into the water. It was cold but he didn't mind. He had one mission, after all. Save his childhood best friend, his queen-to-be and his liability. Luckily they were all in one person and so easier to save. A trinity of sorts.

But even Asher's stoic face wavered when he finally managed to grab Y/n's hand. He hadn't realised how far she had sunk. He grew even more worried while swimming upwards. The princess' eyes were closed; she was almost completely limp, her legs kicking only a little bit as they swam, almost like her body was fighting for her life while her consciousness had already lost it.

There were cheers upon the water, the conflict between Mal and Uma having ended. But Carlos and Jay were still watching the water, obeying Asher instantly as he grabbed onto the ladder and commanded, "Get us up."

Y/n began coughing then, her throat sore. Her head was pounding and her nose felt weird, along with her arms and legs. She could only barely recall what happened but she knew it wasn't good, especially when Asher frowned at her like he couldn't decide whether to give her a disciplining beating or hug her and cry his eyes out.

Carlos looked almost the same, though mostly the latter, when he helped her over the edge of the boat.

Y/n's feet couldn't carry her yet and she stumbled into his open arms, making the boy drop Asher's stuff to wrap his arms around her.

Y/n stayed silent for a little while, listening to the celebrations around her. Most had already turned into festive spirits, even Mal and Ben were dancing as the girl was human again.

And then there was herself. She was shaking with cold and her breathing was painful. Yet she straightened up and forced her feet to carry her as she turned around in Carlos' arms to stare at Asher.

Before she could say anything, the boy did.

"You're an idiot, Y/n."

He didn't use princess, he must be mad, Y/n quickly caught on.

"But... You did the right thing," Asher added, placing a hand on Y/n shoulder.

A flicker of hope lit in her chest. "Does that mean you won't tell mum?"

Asher snorted. "In your dreams, princess." He then ruffled her hair. "But I'll let you have tonight."

Y/n smiled, tightening her hold on Carlos' arms that were still securely wrapped around her waist.

When Asher walked away, Carlos came to stand in front of her. "Are you alright?" His hands were shaking as they held hers, his breath warm on her face.

She shivered again. "I'm oka—" She was cut off by herself sneezing. She rubbed her nose before looking up again. "Sorry."

Carlos smiled at her. She was drenched and water droplets covered her face but she was still the most beautiful thing he had seen in his entire life. He was about to express that when Evie appeared behind Y/n and placed a hand on her shoulder and a tiara on her head.

"Belle and Adam would like to speak to you," she said in a hushed voice, the one she always used.

Y/n nodded. "Right." She then looked back at Carlos and gave a squeeze to his hands. "Catch you later?"

The white-haired boy nodded, holding himself back from kissing her forehead. "Catch you later."