Because Knights Don't Throw Boots

by Kitty O

Everyone is writing about why Arthur didn't knight Merlin. He couldn't take the knighthood. He had a deeper role to play. Well, I think that there is a much simpler reason... Who wants to be a knight? Ficlet. Not slash

Merlin sat on the stairs to the castle, watching as Lancelot and Gwaine trotted on their horses, capes the fiery red that pronounced them knights for the world to see.

Merlin smiled. They seemed to like that. He would've hated it, being a knight, but of course that hadn't stopped him from asking Arthur about it. Just to be annoying.

"What, everyone's equal except me? I don't get knighted?"

Arthur shook his head at the manservant. "Merlin. You can't handle a sword to save your life."

Merlin grinned. "You'd be surprised."

"And you're an idiot. Plus, I'd be out one manservant."

"Funny, I would've thought you'd jump at the chance to get rid of me."

"I would. But I wouldn't disgrace the name of knight just for personal gain."

And Merlin had laughed.

A boot hit him in the back of the head. "Merlin!"

He looked up and smiled at his master and best friend. "Sire."

"I really do expect these boots cleaned, you know."

Merlin's smile lit up his face. He was glad he wasn't a knight. A knight should have too much decorum and respect for royalty to pick up that boot and throw it back into Arthur's face, and then run like a scared deer. But Merlin didn't.