Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen

particular,” Arthur said. “Besides, there’s no knowing if he dreamed the dream or simply
said
he dreamed it. He lies all the time, Kay, though always with purpose. And that purpose is the good of the kingdom, so I cannot call him on those lies. I can only listen and try to get at what it is he wants me to get at.”
    Kay ground his teeth. It was not one of his more pleasant responses.
    â€œI worry about how well I can figure things out,” Arthur continued. “I wish he would just say what he means straight.”
    Kay pouted. “You always listen to him and not to me, Arthur. He is the liar and I never lie. So you should listen to me. Besides, blood is supposed to be thicker than water.”
    â€œWe are stepbrothers, Kay. We share no blood.”
    â€œYou
know
what I mean.” There was a whine in his voice now. A loud whine. It grated on Arthur’s ears.
    Arthur nodded. “I know, Kay. And I do value you. You are my oldest companion. My dearest friend.” It was true up to a point, but Arthur knew better than to go further. Conversations with Kay always tended to go off the track and into the woods. “But, brother, it is time to get on with the day’s business. The real business, not a mage’s dream business. And not a silly worry about assassins who may or may not be arriving. Remember, though, I have already ruled on two
dux
...” He hesitated, recalling Merlinnus’ correction. “...
belli
. Met with five tribal chiefs from the north. Considered one large lady and one impossible cook. I am not in a good mood. Luncheon would be a fine idea, and the sooner the better.”
    â€œIt is not near time for eating,” Kay said loudly.
“There would be a riot in the hall if I told the crowd out there that you wanted to eat instead of rendering judgment. Some of them have been waiting three days now.” He pursed his lips. “But before we get to all that, I have something to make you happy.”
    Arthur smiled at that. Or at least he showed his teeth. He looked more like a bear—which is what his name really meant—than a man when he smiled that way. It was a smile he reserved for people who annoyed him. And for his stepbrother, Kay.
    â€œNot like that. A
real
smile.” Kay understood some things, though it always surprised Arthur when he did.
    Reaching down the front of his tunic, Kay pulled out a piece of parchment. “The men did not like who was chosen for May Queen this year, and they have made a list of those qualities they think she should possess, so we will be better prepared next year.” He handed the parchment to Arthur.
    Arthur read aloud slowly. Reading did not come easy to him—not the way riding or swordplay did—and he pronounced each word carefully. Also, the slower he read, the fewer judgments he would have time for.
    Â 
“
Thre thingges smalle
—
headde, nose, breests
,
Thre thingges largge
—
waiste, hippes, calves
,
Thre thingges longge
—
haires, finggers, thies
,
Thre thingges short
—
height, toes, utterance
.”
    Â 
    â€œSounds more like an animal in a bestiary than a girl,” Arthur ventured at last. “And I am not sure of your spelling.”
    â€œIt is better than yours,” said Kay, which was true.
    Arthur leaned forward. “And what is wrong with this years choice? A nice girl, I thought. Sweet.”
    â€œShe is a pig farmers daughter,” Kay said sniffily. “And she giggles.”
    Arthur sucked at his teeth, something he did only when he was annoyed. “We all raise pigs, Kay. That we pay someone else to clean the sty does not make us the better. And where in this list does it say:
Giggles smalle
?”
    Kay’s hand went to his mustache.
    â€œI am not fooled, you know,” Arthur said.
    Kay gazed at the ceiling, which Arthur recognized as his attempt to look innocent. “I do not know what you mean.”
    â€œI know