Chapter 17

As I make my way to the main hall or throne room of the castle, I wonder about which cape I should wear for my first impressions with S.H.I.E.L.D. The white one I am wearing right now is my favorite, and it really goes well with my whole color scheme. But the red one could work too...no, I think I will keep my white cape on. It's too comfortable to pass up, and personally, I think it looks better.

The halls of Camelot are just as I remember. I walk them as if I have lived here all my life. This makes sense since I have, in fact, lived as king in this castle. I nod to a few enforcement knight patrols as I make my way down the castle halls.

Camelot's freshly built halls shimmered under the light of a radiant sun, its golden rays refracted by the polished stone and gleaming stained-glass windows. I made my way into the main hall and stood at the center, posture dignified, my light green eyes fixed on the massive doors at the far end. The weight of the recreated kingdom rested not on my shoulders but in my heart.

Yesterday, Rhongomyniad had roared with divine energy as it shaped the land, stone by stone, into this majestic stronghold. And though it filled me with pride, though there was no mistaking the melancholy in my chest…..my knights were absent, their laughter and counsel mere ghosts in these grand corridors.

My reminiscing was interrupted by the rhythmic clanking of armor as some newly summoned Enforcement Knights marched past her through the main hall. They bowed as they filed toward the entrance, their loyalty silent but absolute.

As I watched them pass, my gaze lingered on them for a moment before I spoke, my voice calm but commanding. "Ensure our guests are greeted with respect," I said, my voice carrying the authority of a monarch but the kindness of a just ruler. "I would not have Camelot seen as a den of hostility. Escort them to the hall with dignity."

The lead knight, his helm polished to a mirror shine, bowed deeply. "As you command, my King."

As the doors closed behind them, I let out a quiet sigh, my hand tightening on Rhongomyniad. "To think, my first challenge in this world would not be dragons, traitorous knights, or a purple man with a gauntlet, but a band of mortals called S.H.I.E.L.D" My lips twitched into a faint smile. "I suppose even the great Arthurian legend must bow to bureaucracy in this age."

"A King cannot falter," I whispered to myself. "Yet, I can not deny the uncertainty of this era. They will likely judge me by legends of the past…..legends even I dont think I can fully live up to."

"King….I don't have to hide the fact that I am a woman anymore." I look down at my chest, it being a lot bigger than my time when I was king. "Though I don't think it's really possible for me to hide that fact if I were to try now."

I think about it for a moment. Queen Artoria Pendragon…..it doesn't sound that bad. I will see what a few of my knights think of it after I deal with S.H.I.E.L.D. and possibly the World Security Council.

Speaking of queens, isn't Queen Elizabeth II still alive and ruling over present Britain. I wonder how she would react to meeting her great great great great…..well….a lot of greats, grandmother. I wouldn't want to take her throne since she is the current ruler of Britain. Unless she passed the throne to me, but she would never do that, right?

Not to mention, all of Britain realizing King Arthur has returned. That's going to be a headache and a half to deal with. If people did want to live in Camelot, I wouldn't be against it. Personally, it would be nice to have people around to brighten up Camelot a bit. Camelot doesn't feel as alive as it once did, though I need to worry about S.H.I.E.L.D. first before anything.

I turned on my heel and ascended the short flight of steps to my throne, my white cape trailing behind me. The throne room was a mix of medieval majesty and divine artistry, the air thick with a sense of history and power. I sat with practiced ease into the comfortable throne, the towering spear of Rhongomyniad resting beside me like a sentinel.

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POV: Nick Fury 'Third Person'

Nick Fury squinted his eye at the monumental sight before him. "That's… a castle. A big, white, glowing, medieval castle."

Phil Coulson, sitting in the passenger seat of the quinjet, was wide-eyed with a mix of awe and giddy excitement. "Not just a castle, sir. That's Camelot. As in the Camelot. King Arthur's Camelot. The one where some of the greatest knights that ever lived served at. And where it's said one of the greatest mages that ever existed lived."

Fury shot him a look. "Coulson, this isn't the time to geek out."

"Sorry, sir," Coulson replied sheepishly, though his enthusiasm barely dimmed. "But you have to admit, this is incredible. We're witnessing history come to life."

Fury, his one good eye narrowing, stepped forward, scanning the towering stone walls adorned with intricate carvings of knights and dragons. "And it just appeared overnight. That's a problem. Stay focused, Coulson."

As they approached the gate, a group of armored Enforcement Knights stepped out in perfect unison. Their polished armor glinted under the sunlight, and their movements were sharp and precise. One of them stepped forward, holding a halberd in hand but making no threatening moves.

"Welcome, Representatives of S.H.I.E.L.D.," the knight spoke, voice deep and formal. "By the order of Her Majesty, Artoria Pendragon, you are to be escorted to the throne room. Please, follow us."

Coulson whispered, barely containing his awe, "Her Majesty Artoria Pendragon… King Arthur herself? This is incredible!"

Fury rolled his eye, muttering under his breath, "Legends or not, we still need answers."

The Enforcement Knights led Fury and Coulson through beautifully constructed streets of the city. Despite its recent arrival, the outer city was somewhat alive with activity. These knights covered in armor, worked and conversed as if they had lived there for years.

"This city is alive," Coulson said, his voice filled with wonder. "Look at the craftsmanship, the detail… It's as if history stepped out of a book and decided to stay."

Fury's gaze was sharp, taking in every detail. "Alive or not, we need to know if this is a threat. A medieval city with knights and magic doesn't just drop in out of nowhere."

They passed an ornate fountain, its water cascading down statues of knights kneeling before a radiant figure holding a spear—the unmistakable image of... a female King Arthur. Coulson couldn't help but take out his phone to snap a picture, much to Fury's annoyance.

"Really, Coulson?" Fury asked as he eyes him from the side of his eye.

"For the archives, sir." he says as quickly, then starts taking pictures of the city around them as they walk.

The sound of armored boots echoed down the hall. The Enforcement Knights returned, flanking the group of figures in dark suits and tactical gear. At their head was a one-eyed man in a trench coat, Nick Fury. Beside him was a man wearing a wide, gleeful smile, Phil Coulson. They came upon the throne room's doors.

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POV: Artoria Pendragon

The Enforcement Knights opened the grand doors to the throne room, revealing an opulent hall of gold and marble. At the far end, seated upon a grand throne, was me, Artoria Pendragon. My silver-blue armor gleamed under the light of the massive stained-glass windows. Rhongomyniad rested beside me, the spear radiating a faint, otherworldly glow.

My gaze was calm but commanding as I addressed the agents. "Director Fury and Agent Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D. Welcome to Camelot."

Nick Fury's expression was unreadable, but his posture spoke of caution. Coulson, on the other hand, looked positively delighted.

"I am Artoria Pendragon, King of Camelot. I trust my knights have treated you well?" I nodded to the Enforcement Knights standing off to the side of the throne room.

Fury stepped forward, unshaken by the display. "Your Majesty, yes, we were treated with respect. Though I assume you know why we're here. A city and castle appearing out of thin air tends to raise a few flags."

I rose from my throne, movements regal and deliberate. "Indeed, I understand your concerns. Camelot has been reborn, not for conquest but as a sanctuary…..a new beginning. I wish no ill will towards this world and its people."

Coulson, unable to contain his admiration, blurted out, "You're really him, ur...her, King Arthur. It's an honor, Your Majesty. The stories, the legends… they don't do you justice."

My stern demeanor softened slightly, a faint smile touching my lips. "You flatter me, Agent Coulson. But the title of King carries as much burden as it does glory. My past mistakes will not be repeated in this era."

Fury gave a curt nod, his good eye scanning the room as if memorizing every detail. "King Arthur, huh? That explains a lot. Though... you're looking a bit different from the legends."

"Well, sir, not all mythical and historical being can be exactly portrayed as they are written. I'm sure if King Arthur was actually a woman, then others could possibly be different as well." Coulson chimed in enthusiastically. "I'm sure you have met many historical figures, right? Oh, sorry, I kind of got off on a tangent there."

I blinked, slightly taken aback by his excitement. "Your enthusiasm is... appreciated, Agent Coulson."

Fury coughed, cutting through the levity. "We're here to assess what kind of threat level we're dealing with. You built a city overnight with a glowing spear. That tends to raise a few red flags."

My expression softened as I rested a hand on Rhongomyniad. "This weapon, Rhongomyniad, and the miracles it grants are not for conquest or destruction. I rebuilt Camelot to create a place of justice and peace. I have no quarrel with your people or your S.H.I.E.L.D."

Fury crossed his arms. "And what exactly are your plans for humanity? A medieval kingdom doesn't exactly fit into the modern world without causing ripples."

I met his gaze, my voice steady. "To guide, not to rule. Humanity's future is theirs to shape. Camelot shall be a beacon of hope, a reminder of what unity and justice can achieve."

Fury's brow arched. "So, you're saying you're not looking to start a kingdom-spanning crusade?"

My lips twitched, almost into a smile. "Not unless you give me reason to."

Coulson chuckled nervously. "She's kidding, right? You're kidding?"

My expression became thoughtful. "Humor is not my strong suit, but yes, Agent Coulson, that was an attempt."

Fury sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "We've dealt with gods, aliens, and a whole mess of chaos, but an actual King Arthur? This is a first."

I stepped closer, my posture radiating strength and royalty. "You have my word. Camelot will not be a threat. I wish to build bridges, not burn them."

Fury nodded slowly, his skepticism giving way to a grudging respect. "You're serious about this. No power grabs, no hidden agendas?"

I stood at the top of the steps leading to the throne, presence commanding yet approachable. "I am no perfect ruler, Director Fury. I have learned the cost of arrogance and blind idealism. My purpose here is to protect and inspire, nothing more."

Coulson whispered to Fury, "She's incredible."

Fury sighed. "Yeah, well, incredible or not, we'll be watching."

I inclined my head. "I would expect nothing less. You are welcome in Camelot, Director Fury, but do not mistake my kindness for weakness. Should harm come to my city or my people, I will act."

Fury smirked faintly. "Noted, Your Majesty. I have to report to the World Security Council, so you should expect some kind of summons from them. Anyway, until next time."

As they turned to leave, Coulson glanced back at Artoria, his voice filled with awe. "Thank you for this… for proving legends can be real."

I watched them go, my gaze thoughtful. "Legends are only as real as the people who believe in them, Agent Coulson. May your faith in humanity never waver."

As the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents departed, guided by the Enforcement Knights, I stood tall, watching their retreating forms. I tightened my grip on Rhongomyniad, a mix of determination and vulnerability flickering in my eyes.

"Not a perfect king," I murmured to herself, "but one who will try to be better for this new era."

Outside the throne room, a faint golden glow from the castle's spire illuminated the darkened sky, a beacon of hope…..and a warning.