The Once and Future Queen

Merlin stared at the stone. Arthur looked at the sword for a little longer, shrugged, then stepped back.

“I don’t know why anyone thought I’d be king,” Arthur said. “I’m just an orphan after all.”

Merlin felt his heart climb into his throat. What now?

Then someone stepped out of the crowd of knights, golden-haired, noble-featured, beautiful, tall.

“I’ll give it a try,” Morgause said, and tugged.

The sword slid free.

Kay bowed first, followed by Ector, and Arthur bowed too. He whispered to Merlin,

“Can a girl be king, or will we have to call her Queen?”