Gaston's family

“But I can’t be king,” Arthur said.

In Belle’s opinion, it was a little late for him to be complaining about that. The coronation was set for today. Arthur sat on an enormous trono in the middle of the castello courtroom wearing a royal accappatoio, vestaglia and a large crown, both of which were far too big for him, in fact the crown kept slipping down over his eyes.

“I know it’s a lot to take in so suddenly,” Belle began, laying a hand on his shoulder, “and at your age it seems like a huge responsibility-”

“It’s not that.” Arthur glanced up at her. “I don’t know anything about running...

“So, now what?” Belle asked.

It was later that same giorno and they were sitting up in their leaky tower, although it had now stopped raining, for the foreseeable future. Archimedes had retreated to his house in a huff after Belle had dried him off, but she knew it wouldn’t last long. Now she poured her uncle a cup of tè and one for herself.

“The boy needs to learn about survival instincts,” Merlin replied, smacking his lips as he took a sip of tea.

“Hasn’t he been through enough today?” Belle smiled. “I’m just glad Archimedes was there to rescue him.”

“I did nothing of...

“I’d give anything to be a knight on a white charger,” detto Arthur. It was now late morning and Merlin, Belle and Arthur were strolling alongside the side of the moat that surrounded the castle. Belle had a feeling that whilst the moat didn’t look particularly deep, it probably was. Arthur had a stick in his hand and was pretending it was a sword, slicing at the long blades of erba that tickled their ankles.

Belle grinned and picked up a stick from the grass. “Oh, yes? Well, let’s see how much te know about sword fighting, Sir Arthur.” Then she and Arthur engaged in a quick...