He was beardless.
The young knight shaved, unlike the majority of Britt’s court. Even Griflet and Ywain were trying to grow scrawny beards with ill success. Britt and Merlin were the only clean shaven officials in the whole castle.
Britt chuckled and sheathed Excalibur before she gathered Llamrei’s reins.
“Is something the matter, My Lord?” the knight asked, puzzled.
“No. Nothing at all. I have suddenly been struck by a capital idea. It was good to talk to you, sir. As long as you remain on the path of the chivalrous, should you find yourself in need of anything please come to Camelot,” Britt said before she boosted herself onto her mare’s back.
“I thank you for your kindness and generosity. May all be well with you, King Arthur,” the handsome knight said.
Llamrei chomped on the bit as Britt swung her in Camelot’s direction. “Thank you, and you as well,” Britt said, cuing Llamrei into a swift trot.
Britt’s guards surrounded her in an instant. “Where to, Milord?” the guard captain asked.
“Back to Camelot. I must speak with Merlin and our associates immediately. I have the most brilliant plan!”
When Britt entered Merlin’s study, the attractive wizard was sitting in a comfortable armchair, yawning. Sir Ulfius was with him, looking at the ceiling with a great amount of dread. Sir Ector nursed a glass of wine and avoided Britt’s eyes as she slammed her open hand on one of Merlin’s wooden tables, making a loud crack.
“I have it.”
“You have what?” Merlin asked, gesturing for Sir Kay to close the door behind him when he slipped in after Britt.
“A way to make my knights accept the notion that I shave,” Britt said.
Merlin frowned. “You are King. You do not need a reason.”
Britt shook her head. “As long as you and I are the only supposed males in this castle with beardless faces there is going to be suspicion,” she paused. “Where is Sir Bodwain?”
“Keeping Sir Bedivere busy so he doesn’t poke his head in the study just as we’re discussing your feminine nature,” Sir Ulfius said.
Merlin crossed his legs at the ankles and sighed. “Alright, let’s hear your idea, My Lord,” he said without any expectations.
“Rather than attempting to explain it, why don’t we make it a court fashion for men to be clean shaven?” Britt asked.
Sir Ector choked on his wine.
“My Lord,” the normally well spoken Sir Ulfius started. “Facial hair is, well, custom. Once a boy becomes an adult—like a squire getting knighted or an apprentice becoming a master—it is a sign of manhood to grow facial hair and it aids with…um…heat retention and…”
“What Ulfius is trying to ask is do we have to?” Sir Ector said, his face turning the same fetching shade as a crimson tomato.
“Oh, no. I didn’t mean the older knights. Heavens, no. Some things should not be seen by the light of day. No, I meant the younger knights. Perhaps all knights who are unmarried,” Britt said.
Sir Kay shifted, the thick mustache on his upper lip twitching.
“With some exceptions of course,” Britt amended.
Merlin rubbed his chin. “It is an interesting proposal, and it certainly holds promise. But how do we make it a court fashion?”
“The church could make a proclamation that all unmarried knights must shave,” Sir Ector suggested.
“Yes, they could, and they would be willing to, but what would they tell the people when asked why they’re making the proclamation?”
“It is an, erm, idea from God?” Sir Ector said.
“One would have more luck making it common if the knights adopted the practice in their own will,” Sir Ulfius said.
“To make it fashionable it would take a man everyone loves,” Merlin said. “Right now there are no such knights in your court. You are the favorite of all.”
“It can’t be me,” Britt said. “I’m already beardless and no one is following my example. Our fashion icon must be a man that knights imitate out of admiration or jealousy,” Britt said.
“A fashion icon?” Sir Ulfius asked.
“The court favorite,” Merlin supplied.
“I see, we must have a beloved knight take the first step and shave, is that it?” Sir Ector asked.
Merlin looked to Sir Kay.
Sir Kay raised his brows and shook his head no.
“Agreed,” Merlin said to Sir Kay’s silent refusal. “No one much likes you anyway since you keep a tight guard around Arthur.”
Britt sighed and sank into an open chair. “The knight that gave me the idea would have been perfect. He was clean shaven and as handsome as they come.”
“Who was it?” Merlin asked in interest.
“I didn’t ask,” Britt said.
“Britt, you should know better. Names and relations are important,” Merlin scolded.
“I didn’t ask on purpose. As soon as I knew who he was I would have to worry about offending whatever second or fifth cousin of his lives in my courts,” Britt said.