Six months...

...go by quickly and Candice is constantly on high alert, after two sleepless nights. It's early afternoon and Lancelot enters the room, to notice Candice wide awake, exhausted, laying on the bed, underneath the quilt. Lancelot sits down near Candice, making her jump.

"Are you okay, Candice? You look exhausted." Lancelot asks, concerned

"I haven't slept for the previous two nights and I'm always on high alert; that's keeping me awake. I'm also easy to scare, of which isn't like me. I need sleep, but I can't fall asleep..." Candice admits, becoming frustrated

Lancelot soon has an idea and asks for permission to join Candice. After being given the green light, Lancelot lays underneath the quilt, allowing Candice to rest her head on his chest. He soon takes Candice's hand and strokes it; Candice soon feels a pain in her hand and realises that it's the same hand that her father injured. Lancelot is quick to sense Candice's distress and stops stroking her hand.

"Are you okay?"

"Just my hand, that's all."

"What happened?"

"My father injured it when he got angry with me; it just hurts every time it's touched or on specific occasions."

"Oh, sorry about that. Would you like me to stroke somewhere else?"

"No, thank you. Could you hug and gently sway me, like on the roof?"

"I could try, if that's okay?"

"I'm fine with that."

Lancelot follows the given request; after a few hours, Candice is sound asleep. To avoid awakening Candice, Lancelot follows suit, falling asleep in a matter of minutes. Outside...

"What do you want, Percival?" Galahad asks, unimpressed

"What is your deal with that fake knight? You know, Princess Candice." Percival responds

"How do you know?"

"Don't be stupid, you were the one that found me outside the room, listening to her conversation with Lancelot. I have you three, and Marie, all worked out. I'm not an idiot; you do know that, right?"

In anger, Galahad then pins Percival to the ground.

"Stay away from them, do you understand?"

"Ooh looks like someone has a soft spot for the princess, or Marie. Either way, it would never work out."

"No, I don't have a soft spot for either of them; they're my friends and I'm doing my job, unlike you."

"Ooh, touchy. How I like that."

"Shut up, scum."

The two knights soon separate, unaware that the monarch has watched and heard everything unfold. The monarch soon goes back inside, having found out the danger Candice, Lancelot and Marie are unknowingly in with Percival hanging around. As for Marie, she's on her bed reading a book as her bedroom door is knocked. Bewildered, Marie gets up and answers the door, to see the monarch standing there.

"Oh, your highness. What brings you here?" Marie asks

"I would like you to come with me; I'll be bringing Lancelot and Candice." The monarch responds

"Is there something wrong?"

"I shall explain when we're off this floor."

"Your highness, I think Lancelot and Candice are asleep. If that's the case, we'll be on this floor until they awaken."

"That most likely won't be until the morning. Given how late it is, I'll come back in the morning. I assume you're aiming to do the same thing?"

"Yes, I always read before I go to sleep. Anyway, I'll see you in the morning, your highness."

"Sleep well, Marie."

Marie smiles as she closes the door and the monarch heads to her own bedroom to rest. Unbeknownst to everyone on that floor, Percival has heard every word and is determined to bring Candice down. They enter the bedroom Candice shares with Lancelot and gets closer to Candice, using one of their powers to pry Candice out of Lancelot's arms. Soon after being moved, Candice awakens, mid-air and notices Percival.

"What are you doing here?" Candice asks, frightened

"So, Julie, where did the name come from, Julie? Do you really think I'm that stupid to fall for something like that? I know your real name, Candice. You see, I'm not foolish enough to fall for a fake name, I know your societal status and where you should be." Percival responds

"What's it to you? You don't have a say on what I should do."

Soon, silence hits; Candice is both bewildered and more frightened than before. Soon, Percival uses the same power to poison Candice into a deep sleep; only the one who's been with and known Candice the longest can awaken her. Soon after, Percival leaves the room and goes to bed, making Candice drop to the floor, somehow not awakening Lancelot and her armour to change into the dress she wore before. Morning comes, Lancelot awakens, gets out of bed, and puts his helmet on, unaware of where Candice is laying. Lancelot goes outside for his routine chat with Galahad. Inside, Marie goes downstairs and is greeted by the monarch.

"Good morning, Marie." The monarch greets

"Good morning, your highness. Is something troubling you?" Marie greets and asks

"Yes, have you seen Candice? She's usually up, walking around the gardens before Lancelot joins her in the same place."

"Is she not down here?"

"No, this isn't like Candice."

"Hmm, I'll go and see what's going on."

Marie goes to the shared bedroom and looks for Candice, to find her on the floor near the window, unconscious; Marie runs to the monarch, fear in her eyes.

"Marie, what's going on?"

"I think you need to see for yourself, your highness." Marie responds, being blunt

Realising the seriousness, the monarch follows Marie upstairs and into the shared bedroom, to see Candice on the floor, knowing who the perpetrator is instantly.

"Percival did this, they've poisoned Candice into a deep sleep using one of their powers. Come on, she needs a bed."

Without further discussion, the monarch picks Candice up and takes her to her bedroom, with Marie following close behind. After carefully placing Candice on the bed, a small note appears next to her. Marie picks up the note, recognising the writing.

"This is Candice's writing." Marie informs

"What does the note say?"

Marie looks at the note. It reads:

Hi, I've been put under one of these things before, I was able to get out of it myself.

This time however, I can't do it myself. Only the one who has been with and known me the longest is able to break the curse. I think, if you're someone that I've been with recently reading this, you're aware of who the required individual to break the curse will be. If not, I can only give one clue:

Their helmet has a red streak, symbolising the covered streak on their spines.

Yours, Princess Candice

Note: This has to be done within 48 hours, or else, I'm forever asleep and both kingdoms start turning into rubble, with all residents, royals and courtiers dead.

Marie and the monarch quickly know who's needed for the task at hand, Lancelot.

"We need to find Lancelot, before it's too late." Marie informs

"Lancelot shouldn't be too difficult to find. But we need to get him before tomorrow night." The monarch responds

"Why?"

"He leaves for a long journey the morning after and won't be here in the final hours of the time limit."

Without further discussion, both individuals leave the room and go to different areas. As for Lancelot, he returns to the castle and goes to his bedroom, noticing Candice's absence.

'This isn't like Candice; I need to find her.' Lancelot thinks to himself

Lancelot soon leaves the room, searching for Candice, to find her on the monarch's bed, unnervingly still. He gets closer and notices that Candice has been put to sleep by Percival. Lancelot then paces, not knowing what to do, before seeing the note. He reads it, now nervous.

"This will basically be an admission, but not in the greatest of circumstances again. I know that you'll want to be awake, talking to your friends. I want you to be awake, but I can't put my finger on why." Lancelot says to Candice's motionless body

Lancelot soon removes his helmet, looking towards the window.

"I just wish I had a clue as to how to bring myself to do it."

Soon, another note appears, this time in Lancelot's hand. It reads:

Hey, Lance

I know how you feel, my nerves are through the roof, even if I'm not showing it right now. Besides, I want to tell you something, but I'd rather say it in a better position than the monarch's bed and asleep. Another thing, I've always hated the dress I'm wearing; I don't normally wear dresses anyway.

Also, I hope you don't mind me calling you Lance.

Yours, Princess Candice

Note: I really hate using formalities to address myself; far too boring.

Lancelot lightly giggles at the ending note, blushing a light pink. Remembering the time limit he has, he decides to wait until tomorrow afternoon and stops for the day, given the sunset. Morning arrives and Lancelot awakens, noticing Candice's sleeping body.

"Oh, you're still here. Not to be an idiot, you're sleeping, but I think you get the idea. You look amazing, not only asleep, but awake too and your voice is that of angels. I've never known someone as bubbly, lively and special as you. I don't know whether you heard what I've said, but you never know." Lancelot greets and compliments

Lancelot soon gets out of his seat and walks to the window, looking out at the red roses; he soon goes to the rose bush and gets some roses, making them into a small bouquet. After, he returns to where Candice is sleeping and puts the roses on the bedside table, walking away after.

"I've come back with some roses; I know how they're your favourite flower. You'll see them when you wake up."

Lancelot then walks back to Candice and strokes her cheek, before kissing her lips. Afterwards, Lancelot moves away and leaves the room to join Galahad. A couple of hours later, Candice awakens and sees the roses on the bedside table, picking them up and smelling them, also catching Lancelot's scent. Candice soon puts the roses on the bedside table and walks out of the room, to the balcony, looking around at the surroundings. Unbeknownst to Candice, the monarch has spotted her and is standing with Marie.

"Lancelot must've found out about Candice. But how?" Marie asks

"Lancelot must've noticed Candice's absence when he went into the bedroom and went searching for her. I think he loves Candice, and she feels the same about Lancelot." The monarch responds

"But aren't knights forbidden to date royals?"

"That's where the two have found a loophole. It only applies when both are from the same kingdom. Since they're from different kingdoms..."

"...they're allowed to date!"

"Correct, Marie. But I think they've figured each other out already. Only time will tell now."

Candice then goes back into the bedroom and sits on the bed; she quickly realises what needs to be done and teleports to Lancelot's bedroom where her helmet is. Candice's power changes her dress into her suit of armour as she puts her helmet on, instantly locating Percival and starting her walk to fight them. As for Lancelot and Galahad, they hear armour clattering and see someone walking in their direction. Lancelot is quick to recognise the sword and armour; it's Candice.

"What's Candice doing out here?" Galahad asks

"After Percival, no doubt after what they did to her." Lancelot responds

"What happened?"

"The wretch used their powers to poison Candice into a deep sleep. I was the only one who could awaken her."

Without further discussion, the two friends watch as Candice goes straight to Percival.

"What are you waiting for? Let's move!"

"I don't think getting involved will help matters."

"We won't involve ourselves; we'll just watch and listen."

Reluctantly, Lancelot follows Galahad to the fighting ground and quickly get sight of Candice.

"Hey, Percival." Candice says, unimpressed

"I see you're awake. What do you want?" Percival responds, smugly

"I have a proposition, a sword fight; you against me. I win, you leave me, Lancelot, Galahad and Marie alone. You win, I'll go back home with Marie."

"What pills have you been taking? You're crazy."

"At least I'm not acting in cold blood, like you. Love is my reasoning, which doesn't sound crazy to me."

Unbeknownst to the pair of rivals, the monarch and Marie join Lancelot and Galahad.

"What's Candice doing here?" The monarch asks

"Candice is fighting for love, according to her; she seems determined to give Percival their comeuppance." Galahad responds

Lancelot lightly blushes, laying low as Candice speaks again.

"Now, hurting others in cold blood seems crazier than fighting for love, in my eyes. So..." Candice says before drawing her sword "...let's dance."

Percival soon draws their sword; after a mental countdown from both opponents, they start fighting. After a couple of hours, Candice is quickly on the ground, noticing a dagger in Percival's hand.

"One thing you should know is how much I've always despised you and your family, ever since before you set foot on these lands and before you became Lancelot's friend. I'm not stupid, the one who is, is the one that started fighting with me!"

Candice then kicks Percival back, causing them to fall over and drop the dagger. Candice is quick to get back on her feet and walks towards Percival.

"Now, I won't kill you, I'm not the type. But I do know a thing or two about swordsmanship and have done for years. So, are you going to surrender, or continue to fight a battle you can't win? The choice is yours, Percival. Also, no-one hurts my best friend and gets away with it."

Candice then walks backwards, keeping a close eye on Percival. Percival soon gets up, puts their sword on the ground and raises their white flag, surrendering the win to Candice.

"Now, remember the proposition, I've won so leave me and the others alone. Is that clear?"

"Yes, your highness." Percival responds, in defeat

Percival soon leaves the fighting ground, pushing the monarch, Lancelot, Galahad, and Marie aside. As for Candice, she's breathing heavily, trying to get some air. Lancelot soon joins Candice, taking off her helmet.

"Thanks for... oh, Lancelot? I didn't expect to see you there." Candice says, lightly blushing

"You can call me Lance, Candice. I don't mind." Lancelot responds

"Oh, umm... thank you, for taking the helmet off me. I appreciate that greatly."

Candice then looks away, for Lancelot to notice.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm okay. Yourself?"

"I'm okay, are you sure? You seem... distracted and bothered by something."

Candice then looks into Lancelot's eyes and watches as they glitter in the light. Lancelot is quick to notice a sparkle in Candice's eye.

"You want something, what is it?"

"What do you mean by that?"

Lancelot is quick to start blushing, finally working out what Candice is after.

"You do know how I flirt, right? I'm not traditional and obvious, I'm subtle and hard to catch." Candice teases

"Yes, I know. That's what I like about you."

"Anything else to your liking?

"You, as a person; you're more colourful than other girls I've met. I like your colours."

"Oh, umm... thank you, Lance. Anyway, I think we should join the others."

Soon, someone in a gold suit of armour shows up; Candice is quick to recognise the individual. Excalibur Sonic.

"Excalibur, what are you doing here?" Candice asks, unimpressed and soon adding "If this is to try and get me back again, the answer's no."

"It's not that, I've got the message. The courtiers are causing havoc in the streets and stealing your family's heirlooms, your highness." Excalibur responds

"I need to see this for myself."

"I knew you'd say that. Niamh, bring in the horse."

As if on cue, Niamh comes into view, with a horse. Candice is quick to recognise the horse and approaches it.

"Is that Julius?" Candice asks

"Yes, your highness; Julius has missed you greatly." Niamh answers

"Did you all walk this way to find me?"

"Yes, your highness. Excalibur doesn't have a horse and I'm not allowed one."

"Is this true, Sonic?"

"Yes, it is, your highness." Excalibur responds

"Right, we'll travel again when you're both well rested; it's starting to get late and you're both looking exhausted."

Without further discussion, the trio everyone goes inside to rest up. Soon enough, morning comes, and Lancelot is up and packing for his journey tomorrow. As for Candice, she soon gets up and looks for Lancelot, to find him in the monarch's chamber, packing.

"Hey, Lance. What's the stuff for?" Candice greets, asking

"Hey, Candice. I have a long journey tomorrow and I need to pack some things for it; that means I won't be able to join you, Excalibur and Niamh." Lancelot responds, informing

"Oh, okay. How do we stay in touch?"

"Through a messenger, we'll write letters."

"That seems... plausible. Who will be the messenger?"

"I'll talk to the monarch and see if he can send someone or be the messenger himself. Are you okay? You sounded nervous about the idea of a messenger."

"Well, the only one that we know that'll be able to use powers to track us down is Percival and I'm not willing to put my trust in that sly individual after what they did to Marie."

"There's a high chance that Percival won't get picked. I think Marie would get chosen for the task."

"Marie does have powers, but given her occupational position, I don't think she's allowed to put herself in that sort of danger. Besides, I've not a clue whether she's had the chance to improve her skills."

"Marie would've lost her job by now, leaving her unemployed with barely anything to do. Anyway, I'll talk to the monarch and see what can be done."

"Wait, we could use our own powers to contact each other. That way, we don't run the risk of someone looking at our messages or getting hurt."

"That's not a bad shout. We'll do that then; something tells me that you still deeply care about Marie."

"Yes, she's like a sister to me. I wouldn't let anyone hurt Marie."

"I know, another thing. We need to make sure we'll be able to receive each other's messages, without harm."

"We'll do that later, when suspicions can't arise."

Candice then looks down to the floor, for Lancelot to gently lift her head.

"Are you okay? You look troubled."

"I've never understood why royalty is even a thing, when we're all bred and born the same way. Well, apart from the one in front of me. Being treated like I'm above everyone else has always disheartened me and made me feel weak, knowing that my family was never favoured by the kingdom's people. They deserve a true leader, someone who's charitable and understanding, able to stand up for themselves and not hurt anyone. I know the perfect individual for the task, it's just finding her."

"Who are you referring to?"

"Marie, she's never let anyone down or abused her power in any way. Plus, she's everything I see in a future monarch of my home. She also deserves more than what she gets right now. Anyway, I'll leave you to pack while I find Marie."

"Okay, Marie should be with Excalibur and Niamh in the foyer improving her powers. If not, she's still sleeping in her bedroom."

"Okay, thank you Lance; I'll see you soon."

Candice starts walking away as Lancelot takes her hand, catching her attention. Candice then looks into Lancelot's eyes, noticing a sparkle in his eyes. Lightly blushing, Candice slips her hand out of Lancelot's and leaves the room, giving Lancelot a final loving look as she closes the door behind her.

'Lancelot, you know the look she gave you and you're just letting her slip away.' Lancelot thinks to himself

Soon after, Lancelot races out of the room, starting to catch up to Candice. Hearing footsteps behind her, Candice turns around as Lancelot catches up to her, taking her into an embrace. Bewildered and slightly startled, Candice pushes back slightly.

"Hey, Lance. What do you need?" Candice asks, adding "If you want something I'll give it to you."

"Really? I thought..." Lancelot responds, quickly pausing

"Of course, I will, you idiot. If it's about how you feel, I feel the same and if there's something you want, I'm happy to give it. You've just got to tell me."

Lancelot quickly becomes nervous, not knowing what to say; Candice is quick to work out what Lancelot wants and kisses his lips, for him to ease into the manoeuvre. After a short while, they both separate.

"How did you know?" Lancelot asks

"Apart from your nerves? I already knew how you felt, you were just afraid to say it. Anyway, you'd better finish packing; those items won't store themselves."

Soon after, Lancelot returns to packing and Candice goes downstairs to join Excalibur, Niamh, and Marie.

"Hey, Candice. You're in a good mood, what's up?" Marie asks

"I'll explain later, say what's going on here?" Candice responds, asking

"We're just getting ready to leave; our journey starts today. So, I'd suggest saying your final goodbyes to Lancelot and the monarch before we leave. Say, where is Lancelot?" Niamh informs, asking

"He's in the monarch's chamber, packing for his own journey."

"How will you both keep in touch?"

"Don't worry, we've sorted that out. When are we leaving?"

"As soon as we've all said our goodbyes to everyone; if we don't get to our kingdom soon, civil war will rage again."

"Oh, that's serious. Umm... who's going to be crowned leading monarch?"

"That's where the issue is. Since you don't want the crown, courtiers and civilians alike are fighting for the crown when a queen has to be chosen."

"Why a queen?"

"Many times, before, leading male monarchs have conned civilians, raped and sexually assaulted women and abused their power in other ways. When a queen has led, everyone has been treated fairly, all concerns were listened to, and actions were taken."

"Right, so who's going to take my place? I'd rather live here than take over my home and remind the civilians of my family's failings by just them looking at me."

"Aside from that, we should say our goodbyes; Marie is coming with us."

Without further discussion, everyone separates, saying their goodbyes to the monarch and friends they'd made. As for Candice, she's said her goodbye to the monarch and is searching for Lancelot. As for the said knight, he's looking for Candice as they cross paths, looking into each other's eyes.

"Oh, hey Lancelot. Are you okay?" Candice asks

"I'm okay, Candice. Are you?" Lancelot asks

"Yeah, I just came to say goodbye before I leave for my journey. That's all."

"You don't want to leave yet, do you?"

"No, I don't. But given the urgency, it's not my choice."

Lancelot then kisses Candice, holding her hand as she gently holds his face. The pair soon separate.

"I guess this is goodbye, for now..." Candice says, cryptically

"We could use our powers to keep in touch; we could try it out while away from each other." Lancelot suggests

"I suppose that isn't a bad idea."

Lancelot and Candice then part ways, Candice going downstairs and Lancelot returning to his packing. After a short while, Candice, Marie, Niamh, and Excalibur leave for their hometown, taking Julius with them. A day after departure and the quad are halfway home, exhausted, hungry, and becoming fed up with the journey. Soon, the quad set up camp for the night, with Candice already in her own space and comfortable.

As for Lancelot, he has only gotten a quarter of the way to his destination and is quickly tiring out; he soon sets up camp near some trees and gets comfortable, wrapped up in one of his blankets. He soon uses his power to try and send a message to Candice:

Hey, Candice, missing you already

How's your journey going; have you got far?

Love, Lancelot

As for Candice, her powers soon receive the message. She responds:

Hey, Lance, I'm feeling the same about you

We're all halfway there; just recently set up camp for the night

I'm glad our contact idea worked!

Anyway, I'd better get some rest, bye for now

Love, Candice

Candice sends the message before falling asleep. As for the monarch, she's in her bed chamber, thinking about Marie as Galahad enters the room.

"Are you okay, your highness? You seem... distracted." Galahad asks, concerned

"I've been thinking about Marie a lot and I don't know why; I get the feeling that she's different in some way." The monarch responds

"You're falling for Marie, right?"

"You could say that, but I don't know."

"I might not be able to predict the future, or anything special like that, but I know that Marie might not return here."

"Would Marie become the new monarch of her hometown?"

"I don't know, but it's possible. Mind you, Candice has said on multiple occasions that she wants a different young adult to become the leading monarch."

"Yes, I remember that rather well. But why doesn't she want to become queen?"

"Because of how many wrong decisions her family had made, and she doesn't want to remind the residents of her family's wrongdoings, just by being looked at."

"Oh, the decisions were that bad?"

"Yes, they were. Some were even controversial and went against the residents' wishes, diminishing the familial reputation; often, Candice's mother was dragged into making the decisions against her will."

"Wow, they really were that bad."

"Aside from that, your highness. If you would like, I could leave you alone for a while."

"Yes, please. Thank you, Galahad."

Without further discussion, Galahad leaves, closing the door behind him. As for Candice, she's strolling through the woodland close to the campsite as Marie joins her.

"Hi, Marie. Are you okay?" Candice greets, asking

"I don't know. I mean, I've been thinking about the other kingdom's monarch a lot."

"I think you're falling for her."

"I don't know, we'll see. I mean, it could be just infatuation, of which never lasts."

Soon after, Candice and Marie return to the campsite, for Candice to notice infected scratches and bruises on Excalibur's face and Niamh trying to resuscitate him, since he's been knocked out. Candice goes to Excalibur and uses her power to cleanse the scratches and heal most of them, leaving the remaining scratches and bruising to heal on their own. Candice then looks at Niamh.

"Niamh, do you know who or what did this?" Candice asks

"No, I don't. I went searching for food for us all before saying hello to Excalibur. I return to see him knocked out and his face covered in scratches and bruises, with his armour damaged and his arms and legs scratched and bruised in places; some of the scratches with some unusual thorn-like objects inside them."

"Where are these objects now?"

"Still in the scratches; I daren't take them out, in case I get hurt as well."

Candice examines the thorn-like objects, recognising them instantly.

"Niamh, do you recognise these objects?"

Niamh looks at the objects closer, instantly recognising them.

"These are from one of the other courtier's powers. But I can never remember her name, she'd stayed hidden in her chamber a lot."

"Charlotte is somewhere around here; she's most likely the one who knocked out and injured Excalibur."

"Oh, that's her name. She did always have a bad grudge against Excalibur, for reasons that none of us could really decipher. But, why today?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, Niamh. I'm going to try and locate her; you stay here with Marie and keep an eye out for other threats."

"Understood, your highness."

Candice then uses her power to instantly locate Charlotte and races to the location, to find that she's holding Lancelot hostage, with him knocked out and covered in Charlotte's poisonous thorns.

"What are you doing here?" Candice asks, unimpressed

"I'd ask the same to you, but I already know that you're on your way home." Charlotte responds

"What's that to you? Unless you've got something to do with the rioting back home."

"Well, you're not wrong. I started the rioting, not that I'll stop it."

Soon after, Niamh races to Candice, noticing Charlotte and quickly piecing things together.

"You, Charlotte. You're behind the riots back home!" Niamh shouts, infuriated

"Yes, that's right. The thieves are controlled by me, civilians rioting to protect the royal household. You see, their problem is they don't hate Candice, just her parents. It's crazy, considering Candice doesn't want to take her father's place as queen."

"What's that to you? You don't understand why I'm not interested in becoming queen, nor why I don't want to be anywhere in that premises."

"What would your reasons be then?"

"Why would I tell you that, when you have a history of using others' weaknesses to your advantage? You're not necessarily trustworthy."

Candice then secretly uses her powers to lull Charlotte into a deep sleep and get to Lancelot, deactivating the thorns and healing him. Lancelot slowly comes around, confused about his surroundings; at this precise moment, Charlotte begins awakening.

"What am I doing here?" Lancelot asks in confusion

"Charlotte, one of my courtiers, poisoned and knocked you out. Where should you be?" Candice asks

"I should be... Candice, look out!"

Soon after, Candice quickly moves, taking Lancelot with her and landing in a compromising position. The pair quickly blush and separate, Candice switching places with Niamh.

"Niamh, you take care of Lancelot. I'll get rid of this scumbag."

"Understood, your highness."

Soon, Candice is in front of Charlotte as her power changes her dress into her suit of armour, making Charlotte jealous.

"How did you do that?!" Charlotte asks, infuriated

"What's that to you? Let's dance, your thorns against my armour, sword and powers."

"Let's dance."

Soon after a mental countdown from both opponents, the fight begins, with Candice quickly winning. Soon, Charlotte throws a final set of thorns, for Candice to use her power to stop, change the poison type and throw them back at Charlotte. With Charlotte quickly losing strength, Candice approaches Charlotte.

"You see, you're doing this out of selfishness and cold blood, like someone else I fought before you. Now, I'll heal you, but you must return home and fix the items in the royal residence, as punishment for the trouble and damage you've caused. Is that understood, Charlotte?"

"Understood, your highness." Charlotte responds, in defeat

After Candice heals her, Charlotte returns back home as Candice joins Niamh and Lancelot. Without further discussion, the trio return to the campsite, to see Marie using her powers to heal Excalibur and remove the thorns from his wounds, attempting to awaken him. Candice then approaches Marie, with Niamh and Lancelot following behind.

"Hi Marie, how's Excalibur?" Candice asks, bluntly

"He's in a coma, the poison from the thorns has put Excalibur to sleep; we need someone else with the correct medical skills to help him." Marie answers

"Could I try something?"

"Be my guest, your highness. My attempts to awaken him with my powers haven't worked."

Candice then goes down to Excalibur's level and uses her power to help Excalibur's immune system to fight off the remaining poison. A few hours after the assistance, Excalibur begins to awaken, clearly in pain.

"Ngh, what happened and why do I hurt so much?" Excalibur asks

"You were knocked out and poisoned by Charlotte's thorns; you also have bruising in places, but that should heal on its own." Candice answers

"What about Charlotte? She's bound to do the same to someone else."

"She should be home by now, fixing up the royal residence. So, if she's causing any trouble, I'll know about it."

"What about the rioting, your highness? We still need to return and bring the peace back." Niamh responds

"We're not going anywhere until we've all had some rest and recovery time. I don't want someone else getting hurt and exhausted due to the journey; we'll be staying here for another night. Is that understood?"

"Understood, your highness." Lancelot, Marie, and Niamh respond in unison

As for Excalibur, he's already fallen asleep and Candice picks him up, taking him to his assigned resting area; Niamh and Marie go to their resting areas, whereas Lancelot is trying to find somewhere to sleep, not being accustomed to sleeping in the woodland without shelter. Candice notices this and goes to Lancelot.

"How about you sleep with me tonight?" Candice asks

"Are you sure? There isn't any shelter." Lancelot answers

"I'll get a force bubble up; it'll keep us dry if it rains."

"Okay, are you sure you want me to sleep with you? We've not been with each other for a while."

"I don't mind. Besides, you need somewhere to sleep, and the girls won't sleep with anyone, for some reason."

"Okay, if you insist on it."

"Right, is everything okay, Lance? You're nervous; this isn't you."

"It's just, other girls have pushed me away because I wasn't with them enough and stopped not only contact, but intimacy during the relationships with them."

"Lance listen, I'm not those other girls; most other girls only want one thing with knights like you and I think you can guess what that is."

"Not really, they've never said, and I've never had to think about it."

"The only thing those types of girls tend to want with someone like you is... well, I can't really say it without getting nervous. But I hope you get what I'm trying to say."

"It's not... sex, is it?"

"Yes, it is. Just to put it out there."

Lancelot soon lowers his ears as Candice becomes more nervous. Then...

"Are you after the same thing, Candice?"

"Not just sex, I'm not the type to do that and leave. I can't really explain it."

Lancelot's ears then lift as he lifts his head up, looking into the distance as Candice hugs him, burying her face in his chest. Lancelot notices this and looks down, gently lifting Candice's face.

"Are you okay, Candice?"

"I... uhh... it's not important, don't worry about it."

Lancelot then takes Candice's hand.

"Do you want to go for a walk?"

"Umm... yes, why not?"

Lancelot and Candice then go for a walk, in silence. After a while...

"I want you, all of you." Candice admits

Lancelot is quickly taken aback, having never heard this from another woman before.

"I'm just hoping that you feel the same. If you don't, I'm not...!"

Lancelot then kisses Candice, holding her hand and rubbing her back. Soon, the pair separate.

"Of course, I feel the same, Candice. Ever since before you defeated Percival. I didn't realise I loved you until that wretch put you to sleep; I'll never forgive myself for letting that happen." Lancelot responds

"Lance, you were asleep, and they'd used their power to prise me out of your arms."

Lancelot then kisses Candice again, rubbing her back and gradually moving downwards, towards her neck. Candice soon feels Lancelot's breath on her neck, moving her head back in pleasure. Candice soon pushes Lancelot back, causing him to become concerned.

"Are you okay, Candice?" Lancelot asks

"I want to make love to you, just not tonight; all the power usage has made me rather tired. Also, I don't feel ready yet; it feels too soon." Candice admits

"Okay, I don't mind; your happiness is more important than... sex."

"Thank you, Lance."

Candice then kisses Lancelot's cheek, taking his hand after.

"Let's head back to camp."

After a few moments, Lancelot, and Candice return to camp. Candice then decides on sleeping alone, concerning Lancelot.

"Candice, are you okay?"

"I'm afraid of being held while I sleep again; after what Percival did, I've just wanted to sleep alone."

"Is that what you want tonight?"

"Yes, it is. Sorry, Lancelot; I just don't feel ready for that level of intimacy yet."

'Percival has completely messed with Candice's head. They're gonna get a piece of my mind when I get home!' Lancelot thinks to himself, for Candice to read his thoughts

"Please, don't hurt Percival. I know they've messed with my head, but it's nothing to hurt them over."

"Wait, how did you...?!"

"Read your mind? I have psychic abilities; alongside the powers I use to heal others. Now, goodnight, Lancelot."

Soon, Candice makes a force bubble for herself and one for Lancelot, quickly falling asleep once comfortable. After a couple of hours, Lancelot falls asleep. Oblivious to what the next few months will bring, everyone sleeps for the night.