Lily looked up from the book she was reading as Arthur entered the room. He gently pecked her forehead before sitting down next to her, letting out a sigh. « Long day, huh? » Lily asked him as she placed the book on a nearby windowsill Arthur rested his head on his hands. « You have no idea. » His voice deemed to be absent as he closed his eyes.

Let's go outside, right? After all, I believe sunshine can do miracles. » Lily winked referring to earlier days where she had taken Arthur's tired place. She took his hand and dragged him through the castle, an exhausted laugh escaping Arthur's lips.

As they strolled through the forest and up to the lake, flowers welcomed them on their way. « So, why do we escape, your majesty? » A joking smile crept upon the corner of Lily's lips. Arthur ran his hand through his hair before laying his arm around her shoulder and pulling her closer to him. Lily intertwined her fingers with his, though every intimate movement remembered her of someone else. Someone she had banned to the past.

« I don't think you'll understand... » Arthur said before placing a kiss on her blonde bouncing curls. « You forget who you're talking to, Arthur. I'm the daughter of King Magnus and the one who he discussed almost everything with. » Though the loss of her father was still heavy to bear, Lily tried to follow her mother's instructions to talk about it with at least someone. She had found that perfect someone in Arthur. He grinned but the sadness in his eyes betrayed that he knew how much such a simple statement hurt the princess.

« When you left to Everland, the Ogre attacks didn't stop. Camelot is under heavy guard as you know, but the rest of the realm is also suffering under the attacks. We know Madam Mim instructed the first attack, you know, on our wedding day. But after Merlin and I had visited her, she disappeared and we haven't found her yet. We don't know if she's still organizing the attacks or if she just started them, but the damage that has been suffered by the realm is... immense. » Arthur took a deep breath before continuing, as if he himself had to take some time to get his thoughts in order. « We've been looking everywhere for that witch, but she can transform in whatever she wants for who knows how long. She always escapes. Merlin is trying spells to find her, but they will only work if we've got something of hers, which of course, we don't. » Arthur ran his hand through his hair once more in a frustrated way. « And yesterday, at the port, another attack has taken place... My uncle... » Arthur's eyes dropped.

By this time, they had stopped walking. They were alone in the forest, near the pond that had once meant a safe harbor to Lily. Lily held up Arthur's chin and met his eyes. He had to fight back tears. « He's badly injured, Lily. He can't help me this time. I have to do this on my own. » A trembling sob left him. Lily didn't need anything more to pull him closer to her. He embraced her hard, his face hiding in her curls. « You're not alone, I'm here. » Lily whispered continuously to calm him down. He held her close, his arms refusing to let her go. When they finally released each other, he straightened his back. The palm of his hand quickly swept away the tears. « You can do this, Arthur. I believe in you. » Lily leaned in to kiss him.

They made their way back to the castle, assuring to never let go of each others hand. Two evil green eyes followed them as they walked further away from the forest. A tired smile on both of the royals faces, showed how lucky they were with each other. The dark creature hiding in the woods, smiled maliciously. It was only a matter of time. Before they reached the staircase leading them inside, a sudden ache made Lily drop forward. Arthur, who barely saw it happening, got a hold of her. Lily gritted her teeth and clenched her stomach. « I'm fine. » She insisted but the pain on her face told him otherwise. He yelled to some housekeepers to get Merlin down. Sweet pearled on Lily's suddenly pale face. She still clenched her stomach as ache after ache tormented her abdomen. « Somethings terribly wrong. » Arthur muttered as he saw how she lost all color. Lily closed her eyes and shivered uncontrollably. Arthur couldn't wait any longer and scooped her in his arms. « Tell Merlin to come to the visitor's room. » He instructed as he carried Lily's body towards the first bench he saw. « I'm sorry I'm so weak. » Lily mumbled as tears slowly escaped her eyes. He wasn't sure if she was hallucinating from pain or serious but he calmed her down. « Don't be, you're strong. You are so very strong, Lily. » Lily closed her eyes again causing Arthur to slowly tap her cheek. « Stay with me, Lily. Lily. I know you can. You've been through worse. »

« Don't leave me, Lily. » was the last thing she heard before everything went black. 

A/N

Merry Christmas to all of you! I've been very busy with school which explains why I haven't found the time to update both Enchanted and Starcrossed. But as you can see, here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it :)

Quote

There's a history of heartbreak

tucked in the creases of her eyes

a museum of the moments

that she'd  watched just  pass her by

and each tear that escaped her

held the things she'd left unsaid

so the words she'd never spoken

stained her dampened cheeks instead.

- E.H.