Melanie was shaking. She was just called on for a conference with King Arthur. She took a deep breath and stepped into the throne room. She was surprised to be met with, not only the king, but the queen and all the knights.
"What's going on?" She asked.
"Melanie, step forward." Arthur instructed. Melanie took a few shaky steps closer to the throne. "What am I about to do goes against everything I've ever learned."
"Don't worry. You're in no trouble." Gwen assured her.
"Kneel." Arthur said. Melanie got down on her knee before the king. It took her a moment to realize what was going on.
"Do you, Melanie, promise to protect and serve Camelot as your home?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to keep Camelot safe from harm?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to take these vows to heart and remember them for the rest of your days?"
"I do." He tapped her shoulders with his sword.
"Rise, Lady Melanie, Knight of Camelot." She stood and all the knights cheered.
"Congratulations Melanie." Gwain said. "You are the first official female knight of Camelot."
"I'm honored Sire. I never imagined the day would actually come."
"You deserve such an honor." Arthur said. "You saved not only my life, but my wife's as well."
From the corner of her eye, Melanie noticed Sir Owen giving her a disapproving glare.
"Sir Owen." She spoke gently. "It seems you don't agree with the kings choice. I can assure you I will protect and serve Camelot as well as I can. My gender does not measure my ability. I hope there will no quarrel between us." She held out her arm and, warily, Sir Owen accepted the gesture.
"It will be an honor fighting alongside you." Owen complemented.
"I hope so."
"Report for training at dawn tomorrow." Arthur instructed.
"Come Melanie. Let's celebrate." Gwain said, taking her hand. He kissed it and led her from the room. A surprise waiting for her elsewhere.