She let out a blood curdling scream as the blade swung to it's final destination, hopefully in a heart chamber. As much as I hated what she has become, I didn't want her to suffer, well not too much anyhow. As the blade neared her chest, there would be no way to stop it now, the deed had already been done, and the people of the Ark would be free.

Once the blade was a smidge above her heart, it exploded, sending shrapnel everywhere. The shards nicked me all over, including the face. She however was untouched, and still very much alive. The impact blew me off her and onto the floor, the doors swung open and guards had me in their grasp. I had failed, and now I would probably die, or worse.

"Congratulations, 'King' Michael, you passed! I'm so happy for you, sweetheart!" She ran up to me and gave me a big kiss and a hug, then when she backed off she was stomping her feet, pumping her fists in the air, and sounding just like the excited little girl she used to be.

"You shoulda' seen your face!, you were all like, 'GRRRRRRR!', and so soon too, I love you!" My jaw was on the the floor, what the fuck just happened here?

"Queen Anna, what's going on here? I just tried to murder you, and you're standing there looking like you just won the lottery!"

"Oh, you can just shit-can that Queen stuff, and in a way, I just did!" Her voice went into that childish high squeak. She could barely contain her excitement.

"Am I on crazy pills?, ANNA, I JUST TRIED TO KILL YOU!"

"No Prince Michael, you sacrificed your life for your people, and saved them from a tyrant. Like any strong, selfless leader would." Her voice was now stoic, and somber.

"Oh, shit,... this was another test."

"Guards, let him go, and clear the room."

"Are you sure that is wise, your Highness?"

"Please do as I instruct."

"By your command." Then she held her hand up to her mouth and whispered; "Battlestar Galactica stuff,... pretty cool huh?" The room cleared, and we were alone.

"My God, Anna. This has to be one of the most elaborate ruses in human history, why did you go though all this?"

"We had to be sure, Michael. Keep in mind there were no battles for you to win, no countries to be conquered, no dragons to be slain, and no Excalibur to be pulled from a stone.

You were a mess, Prince Michael, and now look at you! You gave up your life for people you barely know, to save them from the same horrors they prayed to be rescued from. You delivered them from evil."

"But why you?"

"Who would you have the most problem killing, Michael? A complete stranger, or me?"

"But I watched you BEAT people!"

"Same shield technology as this necklace, he didn't feel a thing." She touched a button on the center of it and a slight shimmer appeared briefly over her body.

"All actors Michael, you said we should put on a play, what do you think of our performance?"

"I RAPED YOU!, do you hear me? I RAPED YOU! I don't know if I can ever get over that."

"Rape usually refers to an unwilling victim."

"Oh my God Anna, you enjoyed that?!"

"Well, um,... I'm sorry Michael, I do remember some of the porn you watched. Plus the fact that you are totally buff right now." She started running her fingers up my arms, then she gently wiped the blood from the cut on my face, and tasted it as she stepped back.

"Do you also remember how I avoided any porn that reminded me of you?! I couldn't bear the thought of treating you that way."

"None the less- I still liked it- at least consider breaking out that animal again."

"Anna, I don't know if I can fully recover from this, I plunged a knife into you in a murderous fervor."

"Yes,... for all the right reasons."

"This is going to take some time."

"I know, but how do you feel right now, after the fact? I don't see you drowning in tears right now." My God! She was right!, I should be in full blow meltdown mode right now. Deep breath.

"So, partners then?" It's all I could think of at the moment.

"Yes."

"Ugh... I can't help but love you."

"And I have always loved you."

Kisses, hugs, joy. They would slowly return. Once again, another life changing event. But I have some mighty big shoes to fill, and this is not over yet.

I spent the night in my room. Anna was camped out in the room beside mine. She wanted to be close, just not in the same room as I. Truthfully, I was all for this idea. We needed some space, just not too much space. We went down to the kitchen in the morning, it was all medieval looking, disguising the replicator. Breakfast was kinda' somber, but it was time for some questions.

"So, how was all this planned out?"

"We had a few meetings when you were,...away. They voted for me to be Queen."

"But why a monarchy? It seems kinda' old fashioned, and tyrannical, as demonstrated over the last few days."

"That's the thing, Michael. When things go bad, monarchies suck, and history is full bat shit crazy monarchs. But when the King and Queen are benevolent, they have the best track record of any government style in history. We have done some research while you were away."

"Speaking of away, just how long was I gone?"

"Four months."

"You said it would be three, and Olaf said I was out for eighteen."

"Well,... we had some problems getting this joint ready, and they said they could tack on an extra four centimeters to your height." She was squirming when she said this.

"Your totally into this beefcake thing, aren't you?"

"I'm sorry, Michael. This is what I'm physically attracted to." She was once again running her fingers slowly up my arm, with a look of allure in her eyes.

"So,... You didn't like me before?"

"Did I ever once appear to not like you, until you went off the deep end? I loved you then, I love you now. I'm just more attracted to you in this form. Your brain chose this form- ya know- the one with the freckles, and the tiny breasts?"

"OK, far enough. Just keep in mind, this is not my ideal self."

"Good point, this isn't about you, it's about them. When you look at yourself in the mirror, think about how the people will look at you, this is to keep them satisfied, and me?, just as a bonus. OK?"

She is becoming a treasure trove of wisdom, at the age of eight months. Ten years from now, she will be a formidable queen.

"I guess I'm not in any position to argue, I should be swinging on a rope at noon."

"And instead, we have a coronation to plan, King Michael, and a wedding!"

"Hopefully not here!"

"Yea, speaking of which, we'll be going back home for a month or so while Castle Greyskull here gets a makeover."

"How much say do I get in the remodeling?"

"Practically none, I'm going to be the Queen, Hunky Man." With that she sat in my lap, and stroked my stubbly face, while batting those giant lashes at me.

"Deal, but I want a large study, somewhere where my big speakers can breathe. And a sign on the door that says; 'No Girz Aloud'."

"Deal, shake on it?"

"Done and done."

"There's some things I want to show you before we leave, come on!" So we go out to the back green space, it was all fenced in meadow, off to the side was an outbuilding, a stable. She was practically skipping out to it.

"Whatcha' think, huh?! Can I bargain or what?!" It had stalls for eight horses. Wow, she could sell ice cubes to Inuits.

"I told them Royalty simply had to have horses."

"I suppose I'll be learning to ride?"

"Damn straight!"

"But so will you."

"I was born to ride." That you were, Princess.

"Got one more thing to show you." She took me to a large set of doors in the courtyard.

"Ya ready?"

"Hit me." She opened the doors,... Bicycles! A dozen of them, even had one in my frame size, which was now quite large. These were the lightest bikes I've ever felt. When I went to pick mine up to get it out of the rack, I practically threw it in the air, I guess it weighed two kilos.

"Thank you, Anna."

"I know how much you wanted one,..and after all you been thru..." God, how absolutely selfless can one person be? Ten hours ago I was plunging a knife into her.

"I'm assuming you don't know how to ride one of these things?"

"Way ahead of you, Silly Buns." She hopped on one and took off around the courtyard.

"I've been practicing."

"So I see." She didn't want me showing her up when I got back, clever girl.

"We've got one more thing to attend to before we split,... Olaf!"

"Yes, m' lady."

"Summon the cast."

"By your command." Damn, even Olaf is on a leash.

"Let's go to the balcony." So we went back into Drearyland, up the steps and down the hall to the balcony. All of the people involved in the test showed up, in there tattered costumes. Anna shouted over rail;

"All hail King Michael!"

"Hail, King Michael!" went two hundred voices, booming off the courtyard walls, followed by cheers and clapping, I so wanted to cry, but I can't. I must show strength. I am however, finding it easier to hold back emotions now. So I just waved- but I have to wonder- is this what they wanted? It seems like it. They all went thru with this charade, now they sing my praise.

Months ago, when I gave my speech, I figured the most authority I would get would be heading some committee. Now look at me, waving at my loyal subjects, who can't wait to led in some meaningful direction, at the dawn of a new civilization. By the future King.

Then the Princess made an announcement.

"Once the castle has received it's rightful decor, there will be a big party. Everyone in the Habitat is invited, and the drinks are on me!" Once again, cheers erupted.

"Please, go back to your homes and be at peace, I will be sure to reward each and every one of you for your sacrifice in the time of Prince Michael's trial, and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you! Long live King Michael!"

"LONG LIVE KING MICHAEL!" It was absolutely thunderous, I'm assuming by design. we waved to the crowd and they disbanded. It was time for us to go.

"Let's put on some riding clothes, shall we?" So we got some proper attire for the ride to the Pulaski house, it was time to go home...

A/N.

So, who seen that coming? Right after when Michael went bat-shit crazy, I wanted Anna to turn completely evil. She wanted to get even with him. I wrote the first sentence, then proceeded to stare at the keyboard for three hours, while my mind went blank. I just couldn't do it. One of the premises here is that Michael has been tested. I figured why not have the ultimate test? With replication tech, building the castle was just time and some energy, something the Masters have in abundance. This production would have been a little pricey on Earth.

Only one chapter left in arch one! See you next week.