"A Camelot Love Story"

“We shouldn't be here,” she whispered against his armoured chest.

“I know,” he whispered back. “But I needed to see you.”

“What's going on out there.”

“I don't know. I mean, I do know, but I don't understand. No more than you do.”

“But you're expected to go out there and fight it?”

“It's my duty.”

“And what do I do?”

“You stay here. Stay low. Keep out of trouble. Stay safe.”

“How will that help you?”

He sighed, taking her wrist and pulling her into the shadows of Camelot. “Please, for me? I need you to stay safe. We'll beat this thing. Whatever is it.”

“But I want to help.”

“I know you do. But I can't let you get hurt.”

“But for you...”

“No. I won't allow it.”

“Arthur...”

“Do I have to get the guards to lock you up?”

“No,” she sighed heavily. “Arthur, how can I?”

“Just try, for me.”

“I-” And that's when it happened. The real reason he'd left his army at the gates of Camelot. The real reason he'd pushed past his father, his men, his advisers, his people. The real reason he'd searched high and low until he found her in a street between her home and the castle. The real reason he lived and breathed and fought and loved.

He grabbed her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers, her delicate skin encased in his protective grip. Pulling her along, he rushed through the streets to her house. A little, well-kept but humble home. Her family were at the castle, hiding, tending the injured, scared, wondering where their girl was.

She was swung around by Arthur and was positioned to look directly into his eyes. He looked down upon her with love like no other. His heart raced like never before. Not even the unknown beast that threatened Camelot's existence made his heart beat so. His breathing was ragged and shallow. It was now or never. He couldn't promise a tomorrow.

His lips crashed to hers with passion unimaginable. His hands pulled her tiny body close against his own. His protection gave her hope as she stood, stunned, for a moment.

Slowly, her hands made their way to his neck. Her calm and gentle actions, so contrasting to the rapid, lusting movements of her counterpart, made them a perfect match. She kissed back.

His strength and presence made her at home. Helped her to realise that all she needed was this moment.

Her soft caress, her methodical love made him hope for tomorrow. Made him want to wake up with her in his arms. Gave him expectations of a real future.

They gave each other a reason to fight, to live, to love.

Roles reversed, as he pulled slowly and carefully away, she rushed away, placing her hand over her mouth.

“This can't happen,” she worried.

“Why not?” his outrage obvious.

“You are Prince Arthur Pendragon! Heir to Camelot! I am... I am... just...”

“You are just... perfect,” he whispered gently, cupping her chin and kissing her forehead. “You are beautiful, wonderful and perfect in every way. I don't care what my father, or anyone else thinks. I love you. You're my reason to be. I love you.”

Gasping for air, she blinked. “I... I...”

He smiled softly and kissed her lips. “Tell me when I get back,” he smirked, reassuring her wholly that he would, indeed, return. For she was his reason to return. His reason to live.