“That wizard of yours is a menace,” Uther accused, looking upset.

“How so?” Arthur asked nervously.

“He blundered into the royal box and took Excalibur!” Uther roared. “In front of King Leodegrance—and King Yurien!”

“He was acting on my orders,” Arthur replied tersely. “The sword is my business.”

“We had a plan,” accused the king. “One that you agreed to.”

“You wanted me to show off Excalibur, and I did,” said Arthur. “You wanted me to compete, and I did. There was no mention of my having to fight the Duke of Cornwall in front of every noble in the kingdom. And I wasn’t even the first to withdraw.”

Lord Agravaine’s expression soured at that.

“You defy me at every turn,” said the king. “And making Lance your squire!”

Arthur’s eyes flashed with anger. “It’s about time someone did,” he snapped. “I believe this pretense of a scandal has gone on long enough.”

Arthur arched an eyebrow at Lord Agravaine, issuing a challenge.

“He is of noble birth,” Lord Agravaine said grudgingly.

“There, Father, you see?” Arthur said. “Your own advisor agrees with me on the matter.”

That wasn’t what Lord Agravaine had said, and they both knew it. But Arthur offered the man his most princely smile, daring him to object.

“Give me the sword,” his father demanded.

Arthur’s stomach twisted. He’d been afraid something like this might happen. “I thought I would wear it to the ball,” he said casually.

“We’re not allowing any but castle guards to carry weapons this evening,” said Uther. “Give it to me.”

For the first time, Arthur realized how easy it was to say no. To do what he knew was best, rather than give in to his father’s demands. His hands didn’t go to his waist to unbuckle his scabbard, and everyone noticed.

“That’s an order,” said the king.

“It’s one you should rethink,” Arthur said coolly. “Someone removed the enchantment from my scabbard before the tournament. I’m not letting this sword out of my sight until I’m confident it won’t come to any harm.”

It seemed wise not to mention the poison. He didn’t want his father putting him under guard for the rest of the evening, or insisting he miss the ball entirely. And he really didn’t want his father knowing that Emry was capable of producing a poison antidote.

King Uther and his advisors blinked at Arthur in stunned silence.

“How do you know about the scabbard?” asked Lord Howell. “It looks the same to me.”

“Merlin spotted it,” Arthur said. “As to the nature of magic, I’m afraid it’s beyond my comprehension.”

“The wizard could be lying about the scabbard,” said Lord Agravaine.

“A reasonable assumption,” Arthur agreed, “which is why we tested it before the tournament. If you require a demonstration, you’re welcome to try it on and see for yourself.”