King Arthur and Her Knights: Enthroned #1, Enchanted #2, Embittered #3 by K.M. Shea

moss, and worn and weathered.
    Camelot was bright and shining. It was placed next to a river—part of the river was diverted to go directly into the castle, and was settled in a huge stretch of meadow. It was surrounded on three sides by forest, but the forth side opened up into a stretch of green plains—perfect for grazing livestock and farming.
    The walls were high, and the central structure—the castle keep—was not at all tower like, but squareish in shape, several stories tall, and, based on what peeked over the castle walls, decorated with impressive architecture.
    “It’s beautiful,” Britt said.
    “I am pleased to see that something has managed to impress you,” Merlin said, his voice laced with sarcasm even though he wore a pleased smile.
    “What did you call it?” Sir Kay asked.
    “Camelot.”
    “Cam-elot. Camelot. It will do,” Merlin said, rolling the new name across his tongue as if tasting it.
    As Britt and her riding party approached Camelot, Britt could not shrug off a cloud of acceptance. The great castle before her and Excalibur strapped to her side seemed to settle around Britt like a familiar jacket or a favorite blanket.
    It’s not a mistake , Excalibur seemed to say.
    It’s not just a legend , Camelot quietly echoed.
    Instead of calming Britt, it made her increasingly more uneasy. “This isn’t my life. This isn’t me,” Britt muttered as they rode through the great gates.
    “Did you say something, Arthur?” Sir Ector asked.
    “No,” Britt said, raising her eyes to take in the bustling innards of Camelot. Soldiers and guards were posted on the walls, and commoners and servants clamored in the streets for a glimpse of their new king. “Merlin. Exactly how are we paying for all of this?”
    “With the treasury, of course. Before he died Uther Pendragon named his son the next king, leaving all his property and assets as his inheritance. No one knew of the son, so I created the sword in the stone to prove Arthur’s pedigree. Since you pulled it and became King of Britain all that Uther owned is now yours,” Merlin said, squinting at the sunlight. “Now, Arthur, if you would please?” he said, indicating to the crowds.
    Britt exhaled and slumped in her saddle for a moment before she turned and faced the people with a white smile, set posture, and unshakeable confidence.
    The onlookers went wild. Children tossed flowers at Britt and her horse, women waved ribbons in the air, and men clapped and stamped their feet.
    “Hail, King Arthur!”
    “Long live King Arthur!”
    “Excellent work,” Merlin said, barely audible over the roar of the crowd.
    The shouts followed them to the castle keep, where the guards moved to block the stampede.
    “Leave your horse, a stable lad will take care of it,” Merlin said as they dismounted—he still had to shout to be heard over the cheering crowds that were held in check by the guards. “This way, lad.”
    “Sir Kay, aren’t you coming with?” Britt yelled when the lanky knight headed in a separate direction.
    Sir Kay shook his head. “I will meet up with you shortly, My Lord. I must check on some tasks first.”
    “Arthur, come along,” Merlin said, pulling Britt by the neck of her tunic.
    When they entered the keep the shouts of celebration were muffled, and Britt was finally able to hear herself think.
    “Are you paying off the citizens or something?” she asked.
    “Paying off?” Merlin blinked. “You mean did I pay them to celebrate your arrival? No. However, everyone here at Camelot has waited for you for years. You are a rather suspicious human being. Does loyalty mean nothing to the people of the future?”
    “No,” Britt slowly said.
    “Enough chatter. I am starving, where can a man get something to sup on?” Sir Ector said.
    “We will eat soon enough. We had best learn if Sir Ulfius and the rest arrived safely. That pet knight of yours, Sir Bedivere, was supposed to come with them,” Merlin said.
    Britt’s head