... and now the conclusion.

Thank you to everyone who read this far. I hope you like how it ends.

The chapter is dedicated to Leaf2010 for their support.

Enjoy ...

Chapter 3

They arrived at a chamber, slightly larger than the breakfast nook - how big was this place? - which sported a long table. Carved wooden chairs lined the sides, each occupied by someone in a suit or the odd military uniform, with the two most ornate placed at each end. Rodney was directed to the one with gold cousins while the other stayed vacant. That must have been Theophilus' seat.

"I'm sorry," the servant was saying from behind him. "This is a private meeting. You will have to wait outside."

"They're with me," Rodney stated, glancing back at his teammates. "Let them in."

"Your Greatness," the lordly man to his right ventured, "You have already appointed High Knights?"

"High Knights?" Rodney questioned.

"If I may explain, Your Majesty?" One of the guards offered.

"Yeah, go ahead," he replied when it became clear the guy wasn't going to speak without permission.

"A High Knight is the king's personal security. They are a select group of warriors that have unrestricted access to his majesty - including the ability to enter private chambers barred even to the council - and authority over all guards and officials. It is a position of great honor, equal in stature to the Chief Counsel or Steward. Like those positions, High Knights answer to the king and no other."

"Yes," Rodney said firmly. "These are my High Knights."

"Your Majesty of course has the right to select whomever he wants as his protectors," the lord to his left started cautiously. "But … a woman?"

"Why not?" Sheppard quipped. "She already took down the last official that didn't listen to the king."

Suddenly the entire room unanimously agreed that he had made excellent selections for his High Knights. With that settled, Rodney's next order of business was to find out who he was talking to. It seemed his council was made up of eight ministers: finance, technology, education, war, transportation, agriculture, trade, and the interior. Each one had prepared a summary of their field of expertise, with requests for advancement in various projects. Even if he wasn't about to go back to Atlantis and all his responsibilities there, it would take him a week to read and understand everything.

"Of course, we don't expect your answers immediately," the Minister of the Interior said from his seat at Rodney's right. "Perhaps we can talk more at the feast."

"Feast?" Rodney looked up from a proposal for hot air balloons. "You do know I am going back to Atlantis, right?"

"Of course, my king," the man replied quickly. "However, you and your High Knights will be expected to make an appearance at the feast in their honor."

"We get a feast?" Sheppard asked, his smile audible.

"Certainly," the Minister of Finance confirmed from Rodney's left. "It is the custom to feast after a formal ceremony."

The reluctant king could barely suppress his groan. Another ceremony?! How many of these things would he be required to oversee before they would let him leave?! However, if he wanted his team recognized as High Knights - and given all the authority and leeway the position entailed - he had to formally knight them. This day would never end.

"Doesn't sound so bad," Sheppard murmured.

"Easy for you to say," Rodney muttered back. "You don't have to wear the ceremonial robes."

"Oh, their uniforms will be provided, Your Majesty," the Minister of the Interior assured him. "They need only to visit the royal tailor. Of course, we have not had a female Knight before, much less a High Knight, but I am sure something suitable can be arranged."

"So," Rodney started, leaning forward, "they all have to dress up too?"

"Well, they certainly can't be knighted in that attire," the Minister of Trade stated firmly. "Think how it would look to our foreign allies."

He had foreign allies? Rodney sifted through the files to the one on trade and read the short list of their allies. No one he knew personally, but he would be sure to add a couple now that he was in charge, starting with Atlantis. Speaking of which …

"Sheppard," Rodney asked, "was anyone on M6R-845 when you left?"

"Lorne and his team."

"Right," he turned to his Trade Minister. "I'm going to need a message brought to our people to let them know that we're safe and will be home soon."

"I will see to it personally, my king," the man said, bowing his head.

"I'll write it out for you, so that your messenger doesn't get shot or arrested."

"Of course, Your Majesty. I'm sure the people of Atlantis will not question the Great Seal of the House of Canadia."

Rodney turned to glare at Sheppard's less than muffled laughter, but decided not to push the issue further. They had already spent longer in the Council Chamber then he intended and, unfortunately, he had to get ready for another ceremony - but at least he could look forward to the feast. Dismissing his ministers, so they could also prepare for the pompous circumstance, Rodney was escorted back to his room by his two loyal guards while servants took the team to be fitted.

The first thing he did when he got to his room was to sit at his desk and write out a message to Lorne. By now the Major should be able to recognize his handwriting, but just in case he included a few words and phrases to make sure he knew it was him and not dictated. He handed it to the waiting servant to be brought to the Trade Minister - who sent it back a few minutes later because he forgot the Great Seal. Rodney couldn't wait to get back to Atlantis.

"Here," he said, handing back the note after he stamped it. "Oh, and I want my radio brought to me and my team's returned to them."

"Team, Your Majesty?" the young servant looked puzzled.

"The High Knights."

The boy bowed and hurried off. This place wasn't actually that bad, so long as that people were listening to him. Now to get back into his finery. This was basically impossible to do right by yourself. The first time Thoephilus had made it look easy. Now … not so much. Rodney was able to manage the socks, pants, and shirt. Beyond that … it was no wonder royalty had teams of dressers! The coat alone had to weigh 20 pounds, without the added decorations of the cape, sash, and extra ornamentation. After several attempts to heave the object in place, Rodney gave up and stepped out of his closet. When there was no obvious way to call for a servant, he stuck his head out the door and flagged down one of the guards from before.

"Do you require assistance, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, I need …"

But he couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence. He was a grown man asking for help getting dressed. This had to be one of the most humiliating moments of his life. The guard for his part was waiting patiently for him to finish, but cast his eyes down at his half-dressed state. Was it scandalous for a guard to see him like this? Not that he cared that much, but-

"Do you require a valet, my king?"

"What?" Rodney asked, wondering what parking had to do with anything.

"A manservant, Your Majesty."

"Oh, uh, yeah. That's what I need."

"I will send for one at once," the guard promised. "Would you like the one that used to serve Lord Theophilus?"

The idea of getting that close to a guy he just put out of business was not that appealing, but the guard promised to find him someone else to help. It was close to ten minutes before a servant in a crisp black suit showed up at his door. The man barely said a word, other than to introduce himself as Floy, and immediately set to work. He made dressing up look easier than Theophilus had. In no time, Rodney was all decked out in everything - except his crown and cape which were uncomfortably heavy and not necessary to put on until right before the ceremony. Floy also let him know that the bell pull was missing from his room and he would have it replaced promptly. He did not say who removed it, but Rodney had a pretty good guess. The valet paused for a moment in preparing his cape, just long enough to answer the door and retrieve the handset from the servant in the hallway. Finally.

"Sheppard? Ronon? Teyla?" he called into the radio. "Anyone hear me?"

"I'm not wearing this," came Ronon's reply.

"You should see what I'm wearing," Rodney scoffed.

"It's just for an hour," Sheppard's voice cut in. "You'll live - both of you."

"I have to say," Teyla added, "the uniform they gave me is … more ceremonial than practical."

"Ya think?" Ronon grumbled.

"It's not so bad," Sheppard countered. "They gave us swords."

"I already had a sword," the Satedan pointed out.

"Wait, you got a sword?" Rodney asked. "How come I don't have a sword?"

"If I may, Your Greatness," Floy chimed in, pausing long enough for Rodney to signal him to continue. "Your sword is being prepared separately. It will be given to you at the ceremony."

"Oh … is it bigger than theirs?"

"Yes, my king."

"Good," Rodney nodded, returning to the radio. "I'll see you all in the audience chamber."

He set down his radio and returned to the three way mirror. He looked like he was about to escort Queen Victoria to a ball. At least the only people who were going to see him like this were his closest friends and those required by law not to speak against him. His team might give him a hard time, but at least they wouldn't talk about it publicly … would they? … Maybe this knighting ceremony would bind them by law too.

"Your Majesty," Floy said from the door of the closet, "a messenger from the Trade Minister is here."

"Coming," Rodney muttered.

He came out to find a servant who bowed low and reported that the note had been delivered to Lorne. At least one thing was going well. Or at least he thought so until the messenger offered the Major's reply.

"He wished for you to know that he and his men were honored to be invited to the ceremony."

"Wait- what?! Who invited them?!"

"Y-You are not pleased," the messenger stammered, turning pale.

Rodney took a deep breath, reminding himself that the guy was not one of his underlings but one of his subjects. The lab techs might joke about it, but here he could literally take off someone's head and the servant knew it. Besides, it wasn't as if the messenger had any power in this situation.

"Who invited Major Lorne to the ceremony?" he asked as calmly as possible.

"The Trade Minister, Your Majesty," the servant responded. "He thought you would want to open trade with the city of Atlantis."

"I do, but that doesn't require the Marines to see me dressed at Edward VII."

"Do you want them sent away, my king?"

Great, they were already here. Dismissing the servant, Rodney picked up the radio. Maybe there was still time for damage control.

"McKay to Lorne."

"Lorne here, Your Majesty." came the teasing reply.

So much for damage control. Rodney could practically hear the Marines snickering in the background. And if they were here, they had to have sent word to Atlantis where they could be reached - which meant that the entire science department knew by now. Gossip traveled like wildfire among his underlings. He was never going to live this down. Although he would have to be careful in his response to it. Careless comments from kings had resulted in murder in the past, such as the case with the meddlesome priest. If people thought he was upset with Lorne, who knew what could happen to him … unless nothing could happen.

"Hey, Floy?" he asked, taking his finger off the talk button. "How many High Knights can a I have?"

"As many as you select, my king."

"That's what I thought," Rodney said, raising the radio again. "Major, I'm about to grant you a huge honor."

Half an hour later, Rodney stepped into the audience chamber. He could hardly move in all the finery that was weighing him down, but at least he had a couple of pages boys to help carry the weight of his cape. The room was filled with lords, ladies, and dignitaries - which he recognized by the different style of attire. The Marines in Atlantis Black stood out in stark contrast to the myriad of colors, but he couldn't worry about them. A band began to play and the double doors at the opposite side of the room opened. Four figures entered, dressed in red military uniforms and a large white sash pinned with the royal crest. While the men had been given slim cut trousers, Teyla wore a full red skirt under her tailored jacket. Each had a sword, not unlike the ones carried by musketeers, and polished back boots. With the exception of Ronon, they looked a lot more comfortable than Rodney.

The ceremony itself lasted only about twenty minutes, as each of his friends knelled before him and was formally knighted. As soon as Rondey finished reading the official declaration that accompanied the act, the guests all relocated to the great hall where the feast would be served. The king, however, had to go into a side room to remove all the cape and extra decorations from his outfit. It felt like it took another 20 minutes before enough had been taken off that he could move freely.

"Why can't I wear my own clothes," Rodney grumbled.

"Well, if Your Majesty please, we could fetch your clothes," one of the two helpful guards offered. "However, it is customary that you attend the feast in formal attire."

"Do the High Knights get to change?"

"No, my king."

"I'll stay in this."

Not that Rodney particularly wanted to go to a feast wearing white and gold, but if Ronon had to stay in that get up he could endure it - especially since he would not want to have to deal with the Satedan if he got to change and the big guy didn't. His only other concern was that all the best food would be gone by the time he made it to the party, but that was not a problem either. Custom was that the guests had to wait until the king had his first bite before they could eat.

It was a little strange entering a room and having everyone bow and say "long live the king", but the moment was brief and Rodney got to take his spot at the high table. With Sheppard and Ronon to his right, Teyla and Lorne to his left, the meal was much more enjoyable than it had been earlier that day. He did have to deal with the occasional minister or lord asking for a favor or wanting his opinion on something, but for the most part it was fine. Even Ronon seemed placated by the quality of the food.

All too soon, it was time to wrap up the party and head home. Dressed in Atlantis Black, the two faithful guards escorted them to the gate with the Ministers of the Interior and Trade. The latter was eager to visit Atlantis to establish a trade contract, but Rodney wasn't sure why the guy whose job it was to monitor their population was there.

"I have the information of what Greandra has to offer," Rodney told the Trade Minister. "Lady Teyla will draft the trade agreement with Atlantis."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," the man replied, obviously trying to hide his disappointment.

"I'll have you sign off on it before it is implemented," Rodney offered, not wanting to take away the guy's job - just not wanting him to do it in Atlantis.

This appeased him and he parted with one last bow. That's when the Minister of the Interior stepped forward. Apparently he was the highest ranking minister and now expected to be made Steward of the Throne in Rodney's absence - he had even brought the paper, pen, and seal needed to make the proclamation. Remembering how Theophilus handled the job - and sensing a similar craving of power in this guy - Rodney hesitated. But, if he wanted to leave, he had to put someone in charge and the Minister of the Interior was the only one present. Well … not the only one …

"You two," Rodney said, turning to his two guards. "What are your names?"

"Alastair, my king," the first answered.

"Chapin, at your service, Your Majesty," the other replied.

"Great," he turned to the minister and motioned for the paper and pen. "The last time one man ran things it didn't go well. We're not doing that again."

"Your Majesty," the Minister of the Interior started hesitantly, "are you saying you wish me to share the stewardship with one of these men?"

"Of course not," Rodney said, stamping his declaration. "Lord Alastair and Lord Chapin are now my Stewards. I trust you will listen to them as you would listen to me."

All three Greandians looked at him in shock. He had no sympathy for the Minister, as he still had all the power and control he had enjoyed, but he did feel for the guards. He had been thrown into the deep end and didn't enjoy doing it to them, but they were the ones he had been able to rely on the most and told them as much. They reacted with a deep bow and swore an oath to do their best in his name. That settled, he gave the new Stewards the declaration and promised to be in touch soon. One by one, his teammates and the Marines stepped through the gate. For once, Rodney was the last to go through after bidding a final farewell to his subjects. At least now the bowing and scraping was over and he could get back to his real job in Atlantis. Scarcely had he stepped through the gate, however, than everyone in sight, from the Marines on the floor to the techs at the controls, stood to attention.

"Your majesty," they chorused with a bow or curtsy. "Long live the king!"

"Oh, shut up."

Rodney's remark did little to dampen their glee, but a word from Woolsey got them to drop the subject - for now - and get back to work. Great idea. Dropping his gear off and changing back into his standard uniform, the scientist returned to his lab. Other than a piece of tape on his mug identifying the contents as ROYAL COFFEE - in Zelenka's handwriting - his staff didn't comment on his change of status. After catching up on projects for a few hours, Rodney decided to take a coffee break.

It was late and the cafeteria was practically empty. There were a few looks and comments too quiet for him to hear - but the snickering was unmistakable. He was never going to live this down.

"Mind if I join you?"

Rodney looked up from his coffee to see Woosley. He had changed into his suit, so he was off the clock, and was holding a mug of his own. With no reason to refuse, the scientist motioned to an empty chair and looked back at his rapidly cooling drink.

"It is good to have you back," Woolsey commented after a moment. "We were worried for a while there."

"So was I," Rodney admitted.

"I wish I could tell you that the worst is over," he continued. "Unfortunately, leadership is anything but predictable."

"I know, I do head up all the science and research departments."

"Yes, but that's not the sort of leadership I was referring to," Woolsey said. "You are the head of science and research because you know science and research. Do you know all of the departments in your cabinet?"

Rodney thought about all the men seated around that long table. Sure he knew technology and education. He could probably handle finance, agriculture, and transportation okay, but he didn't know anything about population management or legislation. He usually relied on Sheppard in matters of war and Teyla for trade issues. He hadn't really thought about how much he was supposed to oversee with his royal duties. This could be a problem.

"I didn't join you to tear you down, just to sympathize," Woolsey assured him. "When I came here, I had only a passing knowledge of most of the operations in the city, but I had people I could trust to help me understand and deal with things - not unlike your cabinet."

"I don't know how well I can trust my cabinet," Rodney muttered.

"It will take time, but you will learn who you can count on. The most important thing is to trust yourself to know what you can handle and what you need to delegate. I'm sure you will figure it out, but if you need any help along the way, just know that my door is open."

"Thanks," Rodney said.

"Goodnight, Dr. McKay."

He waved his own goodbye and drained the last of his cup. He may not have expected to be king, but ten years ago he didn't think he would be heading up several departments in another galaxy. It would all work out in the end, he thought to himself as he returned to his lab. Everything would be fine.

"Your Majesty," a Marine bowed on his way by.

Eventually, everything would be fine … after he reminded a few jokers that he now had his own army.

So, what do you think of the story as a whole?

I have a few other ideas involving this kingdom. Let me know if you are interested.

Thank you for reading. Comments and suggestions are more than welcome. Until next time.